Isn’t urban honey contaminated?
Το μέλι μας από την Αθήνα υποβάλλεται σε εργαστηριακές αναλύσεις, επιβεβαιώνοντας ότι είναι 100% αγνό, χωρίς φυτοφάρμακα ή ατμοσφαιρικούς ρύπους, και απολύτως ασφαλές. Πιθανοί λόγοι είναι ότι:
a) the flowers have a complex structure that protects the precious nectar
b) exposure of nectar to the air in an area with bees does not last long, as bees work from early morning until sunset
c) bees have a very sensitive sense of smell and avoid flowers that are polluted
d) heavy metals contained in atmospheric pollutants dissolve in fat, but not in water-based honey
e) air pollution is likely to be filtered by both the honeybees’ and the plants’ processes.
Is it safe to have beehives in the city?
Bees are often confused with wasps, which can become aggressive and are attracted to our food.
Bees are peaceful animals, always on their way to the next flower for pollen and nectar, and only sting when they feel that they or their hive are threatened. A peaceful approach to bees, where we know their needs and behavior, is important for our coexistence. Through our actions, we want to acquaint the city's residents with the bee, an insect necessary for the environment and harmless to humans.
However, among the many factors the behavior of a hive depends on, is also the knowledge and care of an experienced beekeeper. Under no circumstances do we recommend that someone who is not well versed in the art of beekeeping try to keep bees in the city.
What happens to wild bees and other pollinating insects?
Attica, due to its exceptional climate, hosts both honeybees and many other types of pollinating insects. There are over 1200 species of wild bees in Greece and many are endangered. The main problem wild pollinators are facing in the city is the absence of natural nesting sites.
With the program "Pollinating Athens", we take the initiative to record and highlight the entomological biodiversity of Athens, to offer nesting sites with "insect hotels" and to bring citizens experientially close to pollinating insects.
Why do we need bees in cities?
We may have more cement and asphalt in the cities than in the countryside, but here there are also more of us. And where many of us are, great things can happen, starting with a change in consciousness. Although in Greece we have an amazing entomological biodiversity, no actions have yet been taken to protect it. Our goal is to familiarize ourselves with the bee and other pollinating insects in cities, which are essential for environmental balance and harmless to humans. By using the honeybee as a symbolic vehicle and means of raising awareness, we hope to start taking action to protect all pollinating insects in urban and rural areas.
