Learn about the bees, protect your future

The bee was named the most important animal on the planet by the Earthwatch Institute following a debate at the Royal Geographical Society in London in 2019. However, its survival is threatened due to intensive agriculture, climate change, and urbanization. In the EU today, one in every three bee species is disappearing.

About 20% of the bees threatened with extinction are unique (found only in their own geographical region). In 2023, the European Commission announced measures to combat the decline of pollinating insects. The goal is to halt the decline of their population, as they are crucial for most agricultural crops.

As of 2020, there are about 500,000 bee colonies in Bulgaria. According to data from the Council of Ministers, around 51,000 people in our country are engaged in beekeeping.

Protecting bees is extremely important because:

1. they perform about 80% of plant pollination;
2. they maintain biodiversity;
3. they are an important indicator of environmental health;
4. they produce honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly – important ingredients in food and pharmaceutical products;
5. they are an important livelihood for the Bulgarian economy and culture.

Although in recent years the topics of biodiversity conservation, bees, and climate change have been present in the public sphere, people cannot engage with the practical aspects of the problem and do not know how they could help.

In the Varna and Dobrich regions, there are many beekeepers, agricultural high schools, and universities where ecology and agriculture are studied. Dobrudzha is the granary of Bulgaria, an agricultural region directly dependent on pollinators. In Shabla Municipality and near Varna, there are protected areas that are extremely important for the biodiversity of Bulgaria and Europe.

In the village of Ezerets, there are beekeeping farms directly connected to both local agriculture and protected areas and biodiversity. In recent years, they have reported a high annual mortality rate among bee colonies, reaching between 20% and 40%, as well as a decrease in the amount of honey produced per hive. Because of this, they have made it their mission to work locally in the fields of education and ecology in order to inform the youth, and through them, the adults, about the problem.

Their mission aligns with that of the Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development. Therefore, they are joining forces for the implementation of the project.

Actions

1. Production of a short educational film, which we will shoot in the area of the village of Ezerets at the beekeeping farm of Krasimir Kostov, presenting the life of bees, their connection with agriculture, biodiversity, and people. The short film will be produced by Svilena Ganeva – a journalist and member of the organization, and Georgi Krastev – a director and cinematographer, who already have experience in this field. (May–July 2024)
2. Creation of an educational pedagogical box featuring interactive and fun games based on a French methodology. This will be carried out by Elen Sabatini with the help of the beekeeper Krasimir Kostov. The goal is to offer students active learning through experience and games. Some of the materials will require design and print production. The activity will be carried out by puppet set designer Krum Krumov, who will create a 3D enlarged model of a bee to explore the bee's morphology and functions in an impressive and fun way. (April – August 2024)
3. Organizing practical training in the form of an eco-camp in the village of Ezerets, Shabla Municipality, near Krasimir Kostov's "The Garden of Bees" beekeeping farm. "The Garden of Bees" farm will be visited. The educational film will be screened. The use of the pedagogical box and the detachable enlarged bee model will be demonstrated with local children. They will be trained to make a straw hive. They will participate in practical beekeeping activities. 10 people will be trained at the eco-camp by Elen Sabatini. Period: the last week of August 2024.
4. Organizing two meetings in the Varna and Dobrich regions with 30 representatives of educational institutions, schools, and community centers to promote the educational module "Get to Know Bees, Protect Nature". Period – September – October.

Results

Over 50,000 people in the Varna and Dobrich regions informed about the role of bees and conservation through the screening and promotion of an educational short film. An active stance and actions established among local communities for bee conservation, who will seek contact and assistance from the Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development for the realization of initiatives in this field.

An educational module for students "Get to Know Bees, Protect Nature" created with the purpose of acquiring specific practical knowledge about the role of bees in biodiversity and the future of the Earth;

10 educators, trainers, animators, and students in the Varna and Dobrich regions trained to work with the educational module "Get to Know Bees, Protect Nature";

Increased capacity of the Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development to provide educational services for children and youth.

Live promotion of the educational module "Get to Know Bees, Protect Nature" among over 30 educators, trainers, animators, local community leaders, activists, and youth in the Varna and Dobrich regions.