BEE UNIVERSE is committed to safeguarding bees and promoting biodiversity through a series of actions aimed at supporting beekeeping and the promotion of sustainable practices that favour the protection of bee habitats.
Bees and biodiversity are essential for life on Earth.
Objective no.15 of the UN 2030 Agenda addresses “Protecting, restoring and favouring a sustainable use of Earth’s ecosystem”.
The safeguarding of ecosystems is essential for sustainable agriculture and preservation of life on Earth, and bees cover an essential role in this key process through pollination.
It is estimated that bees contribute to the survival of 80% of Earth’s plant population, ensuring biodiversity.
BEE UNIVERSE looks at the sustainable development objectives of the 2023 Agenda, with awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Thematics.
ESG is intended as a blend of fundamental evaluative criteria set to verify, measure, and sustain a social effort towards sustainability, an increasingly important element regarding financial investment choices. Expected activities, to be approached with consideration of the above criteria, are described in the Project.
Support
Actively partaking in the biodiversity regeneration process, in line with sustainability objectives of which the impact data can be inserted into a corporate sustainability balance document, mandatory for a growing band of companies.
Let’s see how bees play a crucial role
in saving the planet in several ways:
1
POLLINATION
Bees are known as pollinators, because they help in the pollination process, which is essential for the reproduction of plants. They transfer pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts, allowing plants to produce seeds, fruits, and nuts. This process is vital for the growth and diversity of plants, which in turn supports the ecosystem and provides food for other animals.
2
BIODIVERSITY
Bees contribute to biodiversity by pollinating a wide variety of plant species. Their role in pollination helps maintain the balance of different ecosystems and supports the survival of numerous plant species. Without bees, many plants would be unable to reproduce, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
3
FOOD PRODUCTION
Bees pollinate many crops that are important for human food production. They play a crucial role in pollinating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oilseeds. Without bees, the availability and variety of these foods would be significantly reduced, impacting global food production.
4
HONEY PRODUCTION
Bees produce honey, which humans have used for thousands of years as a natural sweetener and for its medicinal properties. Honey production not only supports the livelihoods of beekeepers, but also contributes to local economies.
5
ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS
Bees are sensitive to changes in their environment, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Their health and population serve as indicators of the overall health of ecosystems. Monitoring bee populations can provide valuable insights into the state of the environment and help identify potential environmental issues.
6
HABITAT CREATION
Bees rely on diverse habitats for nesting and foraging. By creating and preserving habitats that support bees, such as meadows, gardens, and wildflower patches, we can provide them with the resources they need to thrive. These habitats also benefit other wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
A company can take several steps
to sustain bees and contribute
to their well-being:
Create Bee-Friendly Landscapes
Companies can dedicate areas of their land or premises to create bee-friendly landscapes. This can involve planting native flowering plants, trees, and shrubs that provide nectar and pollen for bees. Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in these areas is also crucial for their safety.
Support Local Beekeepers
Companies can partner with local beekeepers by providing them with space to keep beehives on their property. This not only supports the beekeeping industry, but also helps in the pollination of nearby plants. It’s important to ensure that beekeepers follow sustainable and ethical practices.
Educate Employees and Customers
Companies can raise awareness about the importance of bees and their role in the ecosystem through employee training programmes, educational campaigns, and informational materials for customers. By promoting bee conservation, companies can encourage individuals to act and make positive changes in their own lives.
Reduce Chemical Usage
Minimise the use of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, within company operations can help protect bees and their habitats. Implementing organic and eco-friendly practices in landscaping, pest control, and agricultural activities can positively impact bee populations.
Support Research and
Conservation Efforts
Companies can contribute to bee conservation by supporting research initiatives and conservation organisations, focusing on studying and protecting bees. This can involve financial contributions, partnerships, or even volunteering employee time and expertise.
Engage in Sustainable Sourcing
Companies can choose to source products and ingredients from suppliers, prioritising sustainable and bee-friendly practices. This can include partnering with farmers who follow pollinator-friendly agricultural practices and avoid using harmful chemicals.
Advocate for Policy Changes
Companies can use their influence to advocate for policies that protect bees and their habitats. This can involve supporting initiatives that promote bee conservation, urging governments to ban harmful pesticides, or participating in industry-wide efforts to promote sustainable practices.
By taking these actions,
companies can play an active role in sustaining bees and their ecosystems,
contributing to the overall well-being of the planet.
Adopting hives is a concept that involves individuals or companies
taking responsibility for the care and support of beehives.
Here are some key points about it:
1
Purpose
The primary purpose of adopting hives is to provide a safe and healthy environment for honeybees to thrive. Honeybees are essential pollinators, and their well-being is crucial for the health of ecosystems and the production of many food crops.
Beekeeper Partnership
2
When adopting hives, individuals or companies typically partner with local beekeepers who have the necessary knowledge and experience in beekeeping. The beekeepers manage the hives and provide guidance and expertise on bee care.
Hive Placement
3
Adopted hives are usually placed in suitable locations, such as gardens, farms, or other areas with access to flowering plants and a favourable environment for bees. The chosen location should provide ample food sources and protection from harsh weather conditions.
Financial Support
4
Adopting hives often involves a financial commitment to cover the costs associated with hive maintenance, including the purchase of equipment, ongoing care, and potential hive expansion. This financial support helps beekeepers continue their critical work while ensuring the well-being of the adopted hives.
Benefits
5
Adopting hives offers several benefits. It provides a direct contribution to bee conservation by supporting the beekeeping industry and promoting sustainable practices. It also helps increase pollinator populations and promotes the health and diversity of local ecosystems. Additionally, adopters may have the opportunity to receive honey or other bee-related products as a reward for their support.
