Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

The “SAVE THE BEE – The Parnitha Bee Project”

The SAVE THE BEE – The Parnitha Bee Project is an initiative by TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and the Sani/Ikos hospitality Group with the aim of restoring the biodiversity of Mount Parnitha, the largest forest lung of Attica, within a three-year timeframe.
TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and the Sani/Ikos Group are committed to adopting beehives and replacing those that were destroyed in the devastating fires of recent years.

Specifically:

  • 75 beehives are installed at 3 pivotal points of Mount Parnitha, in Fyli, Thrakomakedones, and Varympompi.
  • More than 1.500.000 will constantly fly for pollination on the mountain.
  • 58,06 Thousands of acres of land will benefit from reforestation.
  • 6,4 billion flowers will be pollinated per year.

Certified beekeepers, supported by program stakeholders, undertake the maintenance of the beehives and the provision of food until the flora is restored.
The project is implemented in collaboration with the non-profit organization Bee for Planet. The scientific responsibility for measuring the biodiversity of arthropods (or insects) is undertaken by the Laboratory of Apiculture and Beekeeping of the Agricultural University of Athens.

 

Under the auspice of the Region of Attica

Actions

 

75 beehives

are placed at 3 pivotal points of Mount Parnitha

1.500.000 New pollinators

take action

 

235,617

acres of land will benefit from pollination

19,4 bil 

flowers are pollinated in 3 years

Biodiversity is restored 

within a three-year timeframe

 

Providing food and care

for the bees until nature is restored

Monitoring and supervision

of the beehives by certified beekeepers

 

Monitoring and guarding of beehives

through Electronic Monitoring Systems

Biodiversity Supervision and Measurements

by the Agricultural University of Athens

Study and presentation of the results

of the impact of bees on biodiversity

Urgent need

for immediate regeneration

Mount Parnitha is the largest mountain and the most important forest lung of Attica, hosting approximately 6 million people. It covers an area of 300,000 acres, of which 149,000 acres are designated as protected areas.

Since 2007, a total of 188,204 acres have been destroyed by fires, of which 55,571 acres are protected areas, with many of them having been burnt more than once.

Some of the most significant problems caused by the fires include:

  • The reduction of the forest’s ability to absorb pollutants from the atmosphere leads to the deterioration of air quality, which is breathed in by the residents of Attica.
  • The loss of flora and fauna. Forests host 80% of plants and animals, and their destruction threatens their survival.
  • The increase in temperature and the reduction in rainfall. Forests help regulate temperature and rainfall. The loss of forests can lead to extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

 

 

 

 

Bee flight radius map

The purpose of the bee

Forests can regenerate after a wildfire, and bees have a vital role in this. Bees are responsible for the reproduction of most plants: they pollinate them, carrying pollen between flowers. Thus, in forests undergoing regeneration, such as Parnitha, bees aid post-fire recovery by promoting the growth of native plants through pollination. These plants, in turn, attract other species like insects, birds, and mammals, enriching the area’s animal biodiversity.

Through this continuous process, the forests and biodiversity of an area are restored.

This is the mission of the SAVE THE BEE – Τhe Parnitha Bee Project

The Contractors

TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas is a group of holistic services encompassing certification, education, technical and industrial inspections, certification of professional qualifications, regulatory compliance of organizations, laboratory analysis and testing, and technological solutions for digital education. It has been operating in Greece since 1994, with a vision and priority to effectively implement Quality as an integral tool of business and work processes, placing people, safety, environment, and society at the center.
It has a presence and significant partnerships in 15 countries and 4 branches in Northern Greece, the Aegean, and Crete. The group employs 251 staff members and 200 external collaborators throughout Greece. In recent years, it has undertaken three significant acquisitions: ACTA – the Technology Transfer Office of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Food Allergens Labs, and CCS, enriching its strong portfolio. TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas’ main priority is to deliver added value through its services for businesses, professionals, society, and the economy of Greece, always with integrity and independence.

The Sani/Ikos hospitality group is an innovative and fast-growing group of luxury resorts in unique beachfront destinations across the Mediterranean. Under the brand names Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts, it operates 12 privately-owned resorts in Greece and Spain, all ranking amongst the best luxury hotels in the world.
A leader in sustainability and sustainable tourism, the Sani/Ikos Group has received numerous international awards and certifications for its ESG initiatives aimed at enhancing its positive impact on the environment, on local communities, and ecosystems. The Group has also received significant distinctions for its corporate governance practices and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative for businesses.
All Sani/Ikos Group hotels are carbon-neutral, sourcing 100% renewable electricity with guarantees of origin, while implementing advanced technologies for energy, water, and waste management. The Group consistently partners with scientific institutes, experts and NGOs to protect local wetlands, sea, forest, and wildlife around its hotels.

Executing Body

Bee for Planet is a non-profit organization that operates in the protection of pollinators. Its actions aim to raise public awareness about the importance of bees, restore ecosystems, and create favorable conditions for their existence.
Its mission is to support businesses and organizations in understanding the significance of bees and other pollinators in our lives.

Under the auspice