Bee-keeping

• A Best-Practice example

 

In Copenhagen, the Bybi (“City Bee”) project uses urban beekeeping to tackle both environmental and social problems. Starting in 2009, the project was developed around Sundholm, an area of the city where many people faced unemployment or social exclusion. Bybi aimed to improve urban biodiversity while creating opportunities for people who were struggling to find work.

 

Bybi brought together local residents, businesses, community organisations and the city. Beehives were placed in different parts of Copenhagen, while participants were given training and employment in beekeeping, planting flowers and producing honey. The project also encouraged schools and local organisations to create more flower-rich spaces for bees and other pollinators.

 

 

• Benefits for People and Nature

The project created benefits beyond honey production. Planting flowers and creating green spaces provides food and habitat for bees and other pollinating insects, while beekeeping can help people develop practical skills, work experience and connections with their communities. Bybi has also worked with schools, businesses and housing organisations, encouraging people to plant flowers and learn more about urban biodiversity. In this way, the project turns beekeeping into a community activity rather than something confined to individual beekeepers.

 

The idea could be adapted to other cities by using rooftops, parks, courtyards and unused land for beehives and pollinator-friendly plants. Local authorities could work with charities, businesses and community groups to provide training and employment. The Copenhagen example shows that small environmental projects can have wider benefits when they are designed to involve the whole community.