Freie Universität Berlin

In the context of the research project “Bienen als Umweltspäher” (Honeybees monitoring the environment) at Freie Universität Berlin, a team headed by biology professor Randolf Menzel is researching and developing a new method for using honeybees as environmental monitors, making them our allies in the protection of the environment. Honeybees are highly sensitive to plant protection products and can therefore serve as environmental pressure indicators.

Why we supported the project “Bienen als Umweltspäher”

The global insect population is decreasing, and the loss of wild bees is particularly alarming. This decline is being caused by a number of factors, including industrial agricultural practices, which have a negative impact on honeybees, wild bees and many other insects. The loss of semi-natural habitats and the high levels of pollution associated with the use of chemicals pose a serious risk to the survival of bee colonies.