Bees to help companies improve biodiversity

A start-up is using bees to collect analysis samples which can be used to improve biodiversity

Spotted: Belgian start-up, BeeOdiversity, is using bees to help agriculture businesses integrate biodiversity into their activities. The company uses a variety of methods, including using bees to sample the local environment and bring back pollen samples to the company for analysis.

BeeOdiversity partners with beekeepers to collect samples of pollen and nectar from large areas. The company then analyses the sample to identify air and soil pollution, such as the presence of pesticides. The sample analysis can also alert the company as to whether there is a lack of plant biodiversity in a particular area. Based on the bee-enabled analysis, the company can develop strategies and mechanisms to enhance the quality of the affected agricultural products and services.

BeeOdiversity then helps to implement measures that restore biodiversity and animal well-being, or that limit industrial pollution. They can also recommend the best practices in maintaining biodiversity, landscaping options to improve employee well-being, can place bee colonies and bug hotels on-site, and can help companies to communicate their biodiversity credentials and commitment.

For example, the Belgian town of Knokke-Heist partnered with BeeOdiversity to improve the well-being of its environment and citizens. According to Knokke-Heist mayor, Leopold Lippens, “Our partnership with BeeOdiversity allowed us to define and implement a strategy that enhances biodiversity and includes a host of players to great success!” The partnership also helped Knokke-Heist to be crowned Flanders’ most bee-friendly town.

BeeOdiversity is far from alone in focusing on the role of bees in biodiversity. Innovations spotted by Springwise include a plan to use bees to sustainably deliver fungicide and a Dutch city that has turned bus stops into ‘bee stops’.