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Saving bees and involving citizens in environmentally responsible activities
Published on 18 May 2021
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The purpose of the rental beehive service is to increase wellbeing and knowledge about bees. In recent years, the number of bees has declined alarmingly fast. In May 2020, Lahden Talot (municipal housing company in Lahti) rented a beehive nest through Suomen Lähi Luomu Oy company which is specialized in bees and beehives. This beehive nest was placed in the yard of one municipal apartment building. The idea of a rental beehive came from the residents' association at the municipal housing of Timonkatu street in Lahti. Furthermore, Lahden Talot replaced some lawn areas with a flower field, located next to the beehive. The spread of bee-friendly plants and flowers improve pollination while bringing joy to residents and promoting the general welfare of insects and ecosystems.
Lahden Talot planned events together with Suomen Lähi Luomu Oy where residents got to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Dr. Fakhimzadeh, who calls himself the bee doctor, taught the residents about the importance of pollination. A light cage was installed around the beehive, to prevent vandalism. Every other week Dr. Fakhimzadeh would invite residents to take a closer look while explaining the essentials of beekeeping. Children and residents were eager to see the bees up-close and learn from the "bee doctor" valuable information about the ecosystems that bees are in charge of. Nobody got stung during the experiment (May-September 2020).
Lahden Talot planned events together with Suomen Lähi Luomu Oy where residents got to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Dr. Fakhimzadeh, who calls himself the bee doctor, taught the residents about the importance of pollination. A light cage was installed around the beehive, to prevent vandalism. Every other week Dr. Fakhimzadeh would invite residents to take a closer look while explaining the essentials of beekeeping. Children and residents were eager to see the bees up-close and learn from the "bee doctor" valuable information about the ecosystems that bees are in charge of. Nobody got stung during the experiment (May-September 2020).
Resources needed
Lahden Talot financed the experiment, costs are 569 euro/ per beehive /per season (May-September). The beehive rental service takes care of everything. Lahden Talot and the residents received 20 kg of bottled honey. Tasks of the residents are general surveillance and reporting possible vandalism.
Evidence of success
The experiment went so well that in May 2021, Lahden Talot increased beehives with one more colony in the same place as last year and added 4 more beehives in 3 other municipal housing locations around Lahti. The beehives will be surrounded by light metal cages for the prevention of vandalism. This practice promotes a modern way of municipal housing taking responsibility for local landscaping and contributing to healthier biodiversity in the city.
Potential for learning or transfer
Public authorities show growing interest in the sharing economy practice. The city of Lahti participated by renting 10 beehives in 2019 and 2020. The beehives were placed on the roof of an office building at the Lahti travel centre. The bees flourished in this selected environment, as it is on the 8th floor, on the roof of the building, where the beehives are protected from any interference. However, selected guests were invited to visit the bees and the press was able to report about the experiment.
Also, Sokos hotel, Seurahuone Lahti located in the city center rents beehives. They had one colony in 2019 and 2020, and they are renting two colonies in 2021. The beehives are located on the roof on the 5th floor. Some of the hotel rooms are placed in front of the beehives. Thus, the visitors get to experience beekeeping from their window. There are an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 bees in one beehive. Even for a small jar of honey, the bees visit millions of flowers to get nectar.
Also, Sokos hotel, Seurahuone Lahti located in the city center rents beehives. They had one colony in 2019 and 2020, and they are renting two colonies in 2021. The beehives are located on the roof on the 5th floor. Some of the hotel rooms are placed in front of the beehives. Thus, the visitors get to experience beekeeping from their window. There are an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 bees in one beehive. Even for a small jar of honey, the bees visit millions of flowers to get nectar.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
LAB
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
Contact
RDI Specialist & Project Manager