In Italy there are 1.8 million bee colonies thanks to the commitment of 72,000 beekeepers. This Italian beekeeping heritage has an estimated value of 500 million euros. The National Urban Bee Network (reteapiurbane.it), which brings together 15 environmentalist associations throughout Italy that are friendly to bees and pollinating insects and shares information and urban environmental education activities throughout the territory on a daily basis. However, these precious insects are constantly in danger due to threats to their survival
Mattia Cappello, communications manager of the National Urban Bee Network, talks about it, warning about the risks that our bees face every day and indicating the main problems:
“There is no doubt that the causes that reduce the presence of bees are
the excessive use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, can damage bees and reduce their ability to orient themselves and search for food.
The destruction of natural habitats, such as flowering meadows and wild areas, reduces the food resources available to bees.
Diseases and parasites that infest bee colonies, weakening the insects.
Climate changes influence the availability of flowers and the seasonality of food resources.
Monoculture reduces the diversity of flowers and resources for bees.
Air and water pollution can harm the health of bees.
Unsustainable beekeeping practices, such as overexploitation of colonies.”
A positive message to know how to protect bees, “To actually help pollinators we need to have some simple precautions such as
Create a bee-friendly garden or even a balcony by planting flowers and nectariferous essences such as daisies, lavender and sunflowers to produce nectar and pollen. Also include vegetables, herbs or fruit trees for complete nutrition.
Create nesting areas for wild pollinators: Provide safe nesting habitats for them, such as hollow logs or dry plant stems.
Avoid pesticides and chemicals: Use organic, bee-friendly pesticides and encourage beneficial insects into your garden.
Provide water: Bees need water to survive. Make sure there is a source of safe drinking water.
Mulch and mowing: Use mulch to provide shelter for pollinators and mow only when necessary to preserve habitats.”
Urban beekeeping as a tool for environmental protection and education in Turin, the first urban beekeeping project in Italy born in 1905 thanks to Don Giacomo Angeleri
Today urban beekeeping is widespread throughout the world, more and more associations and companies are implementing this best practice not only for the production of honey but also for raising awareness among citizens and their employees.
Throughout the week from the 20th onwards there are numerous events organized throughout Italy and dedicated to bees.
For information you can contact us by email at [email protected] or by telephone or whatsapp on 3496002818.
