CREATING A NEW HABITAT
JTI Switzerland presented a wild bee paradise to the municipality of Dagmersellen to mark the 50th anniversary of their production site. The project, which is aimed at promoting biodiversity, is also set to benefit all of the local population.
A distinct buzzing and rustling can now be heard in the vicinity of the police station in Dagmersellen. A wild bee paradise was recently inaugurated in the heart of the village. In this approximately 200 square metre biotope, bees can find everything they need to live and thrive. JTI Switzerland donated the garden to the municipality to mark the 50th anniversary of operations in Dagmersellen. “With this project, we are able to make a contribution to promoting biodiversity right on our doorstep,” said Andy Reay, former General Manager Switzerland, at the inauguration of the garden.” The municipality is also thrilled about the attraction: “Dagmersellen is now home to the best guarded wild bee paradise in all of Switzerland,” says a smiling Mayor Markus Riedweg.
INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR
TIME-LAPSE VIDEO CLIP
Home to 100 different species of plant
The wild bee paradise is proving equally fascinating for young and old alike, while the entire local population is able to benefit from the central location of the new insect abode. This is also stressed by Yannick Schauwecker from Wildbiene + Partner, the organisation that was responsible for implementing the installation. “The wild bee paradise not only brings added value for animals and plants, the garden also offers residents an attractive space for discovery and relaxation.” The fact that the site is in the middle of the village is not a drawback. On the contrary: “The site is ideal as a habitat for wild bees.” This is because the village has barely any pesticides in the atmosphere. The creatures also benefit from the dry and warm microclimate. And they are not the only ones: the garden, which also includes a pond, offers a home to birds, insects, reptiles and other living things. In fact, the new biotope has been enriched with over 100 different plant species.
The municipality is responsible for maintaining the facility, which will help ensure that it is preserved over the long term. The project is also a powerful symbol of the partnership between JTI Switzerland and the municipality of Dagmersellen. These ties will be further strengthened with the wild bee paradise, which has been completed in time for the 50th anniversary of the company site.
Half of wild bee species under threat
Wild bees are very special creatures. Without their tireless pollination work, we would be without a third of our foods. They are also extremely important for a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Sadly, over half of the 600 species of wild bee in Switzerland are at risk. All require a large supply of indigenous flowers as well as sufficient nesting opportunities. However, intensive agriculture and increasing urban sprawl are destroying their habitats. Wild bees differ from honey bees in numerous ways: they don't produce honey and have no need for beekeepers. In addition, most wild bees are solitary animals.