Protection of bumblebees in central Poland
About this good practice
In central Poland, a decreasing number of pollinating insects, including bumblebees, was noticed. This was largely due to a land use change and the disappearance of the food base. Therefore, in the Świętokrzyskie, Łódzkie and Mazowieckie regions, the Society for Research and Nature Protection launched the "Bumblebee Protection Programme in Central Poland". It was implemented within seven landscape and one national parks: Spalski, Sulejowski, Przedborski, Wzniesień Łódzkich, Bolimowski, Kozienicki, Suchedniowsko-Oblęgorski and Świętokrzyski National Park.
The main task of the project was to increase the population of wild bumblebees by restoring and enriching their food base and creating nesting places for them.
In addition the project was aimed at:
- restoring the old flowery quality of the Polish countryside, so important also for other insect species,
- education of farmers, children and young people about the role of bumblebees in the environment,
- increase the harvesting efficiency of fruit and vegetables.
Resources needed
The project was financed from the Small Grants Program of the UN Global Environment Fund and the EcoFund Foundation (total cost 306.000 PLN). It was implemented by c.a. 6 people in cooperation with the State Forests, the Polish Hunting Association and the management of landscape and national parks.
Evidence of success
In order to evaluate the real impact of the project on bumblebees, researchers from the University of Lodz conducted studies both before and after the project. The results have confirmed the growth in the number of bumblebees (between 20-25%) in the project area.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice can be applied in areas where the number of bees is decreasing. In the areas covered by the project, vegetable and fruit harvests have increased significantly.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Society for Research and Nature Protection