Bees are crucial for the pollination of flowering plants, serving as the primary pollinators in many ecosystems. With nearly 20,000 known species, including solitary bees like carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees, as well as social bees such as honeybees, bumblebees, and stingless bees, their diversity is vast. Unfortunately, the global bee population, including in India, faces significant threats due to increased pesticide use, declining biodiversity, and habitat loss.
At BuzzHive, we are committed to addressing these challenges by raising awareness about the vital role bees play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Our initiatives focus on creating and nurturing bee habitats, as well as advocating for their protection from environmental threats. Through community engagement and education, BuzzHive aims to safeguard bee populations and promote a sustainable, biodiverse environment.
Bee Conservation Program At BuzzHive
At Buzzhive, the team has been working towards creating a sustainable, insecticide-free environment for bees and insects to thrive in.
Mapping was undertaken to mark honeybees' hotspots in Buzzhive during the flowering months from October to March. The team mapped the existing and new colonies of naturally established indigenous bees, such as Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, and Apis Florida, which are protected.
We organise several awareness workshops and train nature volunteers from different teams on the importance and process of beekeeping.To raise awareness about bee conservation, we've placed bee boxes of stingless bees and Apis Mellifera bees in many different nurseries. These boxes serve as an educational tool for visitors, as well as a practical learning experience for the volunteers and participants of our workshops.
The team conducts various workshops focusing on the importance of honeybees, their lifecycle, honey production by bees, different types of honey, and heel care cream made from bees' wax. Apart from hands-on experience handling bees, the participants of the workshops were given free samples of natural honey and wax and learnt how to make candles. The workshops also cover the subjects such as beekeeping as a possible livelihood opportunity.
At Buzzhive, our commitment to insect conservation goes beyond providing safe habitats in parks. We take a leadership role in educating the public about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem. Our educational signage in parks details the pivotal functions bees serve, such as pollination, which is essential for the growth of many crops and wild plants.
At Buzzhive, we don't just talk about bees-we bring the conversation to life. Our interactive workshops and guided park tours, led by entomologists and conservationists, are designed to engage visitors, especially school children, in fun and informative activities that underscore the importance of bees. Through games, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, such as witnessing live beekeeping, children learn about the bee life cycle, their role in food production, and why protecting these vital creatures benefits us all.
By instilling this knowledge in young minds, we aim to cultivate a generation that values and actively participates in conserving bees and other pollinators, ensuring a healthier, more biodiverse world for future generations.