Urban bee biodiversity action plans

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Around 2 500 species of bee are found in Europe – but this number is decreasing and moreover population sizes are also declining (Biesmiejer et al. 2006 Science 313:351-354). Nevertheless, the pollination service provided by these insects is essential for nearly 80% of the EU’s wild flora and 70% of the crops grown, with an economic impact estimated at €14.2 billion for the EU-25 in 2005 (Gallai et al. 2009 Ecol. Econ. 68:810-829). Recent research has shown that urban habitats can host some wild bee species (Matteson et al. 2008 Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 101:140-150) and they might therefore play a role as temporary or permanent refuge for some animal and plant species.

OBJECTIVES

The URBANBEES project aimed to enhance the biodiversity of wild bees in urban habitats in Europe. To achieve this goal, it planned to:

Develop and validate an action plan, which consists of the testing of specific nesting devices and appropriate management methods in parks and recreation areas that are replicable in other European cities ;

Disseminate this action plan throughout Europe (20 cities);

Increase favourable habitats for wild bee populations by integrating the network of biological corridors and reducing the genetic isolation of bee populations (on study sites covering 8000 m2, with extension to the remaining areas of the partner cities and beyond);

Change conventional management practices for parks and recreation areas in urban habitats to favour the return and re-establishment of indigenous plant and animal species and fight against alien species (≥10 volunteer cities in the Grand Lyon area); and

Raise public awareness in Europe for biodiversity by emphasising the ecological and economic importance of bees, reaching more than 200 000 people through direct actions. The project target area was the territory of Grand Lyon, which has around 1.3 million inhabitants.

RESULTS

The URBANBEES project created a total surface area of 883 m² dedicated to wild bees on its 16 project sites. It also established 2 000 m² of meadow in support of wild bees. Moreover, its research findings – 309 bee species out of 950 found in France were identified in the greater Lyon area during the course of the project – informed the drawing up of a national action plan for pollinating insects.

One of the main outcomes of the project was the production in French and in English of a management guide for favouring the conservation of wild bees and of nature in towns. This action was complemented by the development of several valuable documents and toolkits, which demonstrate the value of the conservation of wild bees.

The project demonstrated that even artificial surfaces can host wild bees, which had not been formally recognised until the project. Furthermore, it showed that wild bee habitats can be improved through the use of very cheap and simple equipment. The bee walls established during the project to aid nesting require little maintenance and will remain in place for a least five more years. Other nesting equipment is expected to be introduced in the future to ensure the continuation of the project goals.

The project also achieved its objective of increasing the awareness of the local population about wild bees and of their significant pollinating role. Several exhibitions were developed and shown in the Greater Lyon area as well as in other French and European cities. They attracted around 159 000 visitors in Europe (16 300 visitors in France).

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).

The URBANBEES project created a total surface area of 883 m² dedicated to wild bees on its 16 project sites. It also established 2 000 m² of meadow in support of wild bees. Moreover, its research findings – 309 bee species out of 950 found in France were identified in the greater Lyon area during the course of the project – informed the drawing up of a national action plan for pollinating insects.

One of the main outcomes of the project was the production in French and in English of a management guide for favouring the conservation of wild bees and of nature in towns. This action was complemented by the development of several valuable documents and toolkits, which demonstrate the value of the conservation of wild bees.

The project demonstrated that even artificial surfaces can host wild bees, which had not been formally recognised until the project. Furthermore, it showed that wild bee habitats can be improved through the use of very cheap and simple equipment. The bee walls established during the project to aid nesting require little maintenance and will remain in place for a least five more years. Other nesting equipment is expected to be introduced in the future to ensure the continuation of the project goals.

The project also achieved its objective of increasing the awareness of the local population about wild bees and of their significant pollinating role. Several exhibitions were developed and shown in the Greater Lyon area as well as in other French and European cities. They attracted around 159 000 visitors in Europe (16 300 visitors in France).

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).