BeeTotems and social cohesion

Promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices

The BeeTotems serve not only to improve the natural environment in their respective neighbourhoods, but also have an important social dimension. These sculptures actively involve local residents in urban greening and give them a central role in shaping their urban nature and surroundings.

Promoting social cohesion through collective care

The project plays an important role in spreading essential knowledge about biodiversity, the importance and biodiversity of pollinators, the challenges within our food chain, insights into the intricate relationship between food and health, and the principles of circularity and sustainability. BeeTotems for RefuBees is inherently participatory; local residents look after their totems together. This joint effort includes caring for the plants and caring for the worms. In this way the BeeTotems become a focal point for promoting social cohesion in the neighbourhood.

Involving the younger generation in the protection of wild bees

By caring for these objects together, residents not only maintain the quality of their local environment, but also symbolise their connection with nature and the bonds of the community. Shared responsibility for an object creates a sense of togetherness. The youngest members of the community are also actively involved in BeeTotems for RefuBees. Through the accompanying educational programme, primary school pupils gain extensive knowledge of wild bees and biodiversity. They also acquire the skills and knowledge to grow the plants and flowers they find in the BeeTotem in their own family gardens or on their balconies. Through this educational work and the deeper involvement of local residents in the BeeTotems, the habitats of wild bees are expanded.

Formalise the responsibility and empowerment of hosts in the community

The local residents, also known as hosts, who take on the role of bee totem caretakers, formalise their commitment by signing an agreement. They receive preparatory guidance from the organisation behind BeeTotems for RefuBees, enabling them to inspire other members of the community. In this way the initiative evolves into a collective effort for the whole neighbourhood, serving as a central meeting point and a catalyst for meaningful conversations.

Images: Top Rodolfo Vejar / Page MacSiersImaging

‘I’m Thomas and I live here on the street. I’m very happy that we can be hosts for the large scissor bee. I’m grateful that I will still be able to eat when I’m old, because if we don’t do something together now, later we will have no bees and no food.’