Bees play a crucial role in our food systems, pollinating one out of three bites of the food we eat. The popular #SaveTheBees movement has raised awareness about their decline and the need for conservation efforts to protect these vital pollinators. With bees disappearing due to various factors like industrialized agriculture and global warming, individual actions are on the rise to create pollinator habitats, reduce pesticide use, and invest in beehives.
In 2006, beekeepers faced a crisis with the onset of colony collapse disorder, leading to the disappearance of their colonies over winter. This highlighted the importance of not just honey-producing bees but also the loss of other native pollinators. Beekeeping is not just a hobby but also a way to reconnect with nature and build a symbiotic relationship with the environment that sustains us.
As urban beekeeping grows, concerns arise about the rapid expansion of hives affecting plant resources and biodiversity. How can bee enthusiasts ensure responsible beekeeping practices in urban settings?
Exploring Perspectives on Bees and Beekeeping
Sarah Waring, a Eurozine editor and author of Farming for the Landless, provides insights into beekeeping as a farming practice across Europe.
Harald Kicker, a beekeeper at Sonnwendgarten in Vienna, emphasizes community gardening and neighborly exchange in urban spaces.
Gergely Simon, an environmental chemist at Greenpeace CEE, addresses the impact of chemicals and toxins on bee habitats and biodiversity.
Their perspectives converge at the Erste Foundation Library to discuss the future of bee conservation.
Behind the Scenes
A dedicated team of professionals leads the production of this discussion:
Editor-in-Chief: Réka Kinga Papp
Art Director: Merve Akyel
Producer: Szilvia Pintér
Digital Producer: Zsófia Gabriella Papp
Writer-Editor: Salma Shaka
Project Assistant: Priyanka Hutschenreiter
Production Team
From filming to post-production, a dedicated crew ensures a seamless presentation:
Producer: Senad Hergić
Video Recording: Leah Hochedlinger, Marlena Stolze, Clemens Schmiedbauer
Sound Recording: Richard Brusek
Dialogue Editor: Milan Golovics
Video Editor: Nóra Ruszkai
Post Production: István Nagy
Art and Music
Visual and audio elements are crafted by talented individuals:
Animation: Victor Maria Lima
Theme Music: Cornelia Frischauf
Bee Illustrations: Sarah Waring
Supporting Team
Captions and Subtitles by: Julia Sobota, Daniela Univazo, Mars Zaslavsky, Marta Ferdebar, Olena Yermakova, Farah Ayyash
Hosted by the Erste Foundation Library
Additional Resources and Acknowledgements
Explore more on food systems and environmental pressures:
Editorial on Food and Water Systems: Breaking Bread
Discover the vital link between agriculture and ecology through writings by Sarah Waring at Beelines
Disclosure: This talk show is produced by Display Europe, a media platform promoting public values. Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme and the European Cultural Foundation, the opinions expressed are those of the authors and speakers.