Zug, 17.03.2020

100 bee hotels in the canton

They have a value for the ecosystem that should not be underestimated: wild bees. For example, they are responsible for pollinating flowers and thereby play a key role in fruit production. Unlike their relatives, the honey bees, they do not produce the sugary food. ETH student Kevin Keizer from Zug became fascinated by the insects seven years ago, after watching the film "More Than Honey", in which the life and work of the bees is portrayed. "I was extremely impressed that these small animals can do so much or have an impact on the entire ecosystem," admits the 21-year-old. Last but not least, he also realised how precarious the situation was for the insects: "Bee death is an acute problem," he emphasizes.

In addition to the death of the honeybees, wild bees are not doing much better, as their habitat is increasingly disappearing. "Most people don't even know that there are over 600 other types of bees in Switzerland in addition to the honey bee," explains Keizer. In order to bring the wild bees a little closer to the people, he has set up a project. From March 16, the residents of the city of Zug can purchase a bee house with a starting population of 25 mason bees and six wildflowers from Wildbiene + Partner at a lower price than usual. In addition, the city of Zug is again organising a wild perennial campaign this year.

An important part of the project is the inclusion of agriculture: the number of bees that have bred in the Zug bee houses will be counted at the end of autumn. The following spring, these additional bees are then given to the organic farm in Zug for fruit pollination. The farm will also organise an open day for the owners of the bee houses/hotels. And so the circle closes again.

ETH student Kevin Keizer from Zug has a heart for wild bees.

Ten poster stands set up in the city refer to this project. Kevin Keizer himself has such a house in the garden, of course. "Bees often suffer from a shortage of places to create hives, especially in urban areas", is how he explains his decision to use the little ‘houses’ as a means of support. “Bees are often underestimated. It is important to sensitise the population,” says the ETH student. In addition to the short-term effect that hive opportunities are created, the project should also have a long-term impact. This project aims to show people the connection between wild bees and fruit pollination.

Although the 21-year-old from Zug came across the topic by accident, you can now hear his passion when he talks about the small creatures. Passion that he probably needed, as he invested three years in the implementation of his project. "The process was complex," he recalls. Why exactly? "Above all, the coordination of the different parties required time." Keizer worked with the city of Zug on his project. He also had to do some persuasion. "It is all the better that everything worked out in the end," says Kevin Keizer.

Keiser wants to not only promote awareness in nature, but also in the digital area. That is why he co-designed a website that draws attention to the project on the one hand, and gives tips and tricks on how to make life easier for wild bees on the other. "The tips are easy to implement," says Keizer. He’s convinced that the locals will also be enthusiastic. “Everyone is talking about biodiversity. If you show the population how they can make their contribution, they will definitely get involved.” He adds: "And the bees will come with the spring".

Further information is available on the website: www.wildbienen-für-zug.ch.