Knowledge / Background
Background
City as temporary nature reserve for wild bees! Why?
In city centres bees do far better than in the countryside – streets, squares and neighbourhoods are dedicated to different species of wild bee.
It is hard to believe, but it has been scientifically proven that bees are far better off in city centres than in the countryside. This is mainly due to the pollution of groundwater and surface water by pesticides, monocultures and the destruction of nesting sites. The bee has become a refugee, in need of shelter and food.
To prevent the extinction of the numerous wild bee species, we must collectively understand them as refugees in need of food and a roof over their heads: the RefuBee.
In 2014 this dilemma was addressed, theoretically and practically, by an interdisciplinary group consisting of an ecologist, a sociologist and a policymaker at the BeeCare symposium ‘The City as (Temporary) Nature Reserve for Pollinators’.
From reading to planting.
Find the bee that belongs to your neighbourhood, and plant her flowers.