PROJECT 2028: How hectares of nectar are revolutionizing the bee population
In recent decades, we have seen an alarming decline in insect populations worldwide – a phenomenon that has far-reaching ecological consequences. Particularly threatened are our pollinators such as honey bees and wild bees, which play an indispensable role in food production and the preservation of
biodiversity play. These topics are at the heart of Hektar Nektar and its ambitious PROJECT 2028 which aims, among other things, to significantly increase the bee population in Austria and Germany within the next decade.
PROJECT 2028: An initiative for bees and biodiversity
Acres of Nectar founded by brothers Martin and Mark Poreda, is a platform that raises awareness of bee conservation while promoting sustainable solutions through innovative approaches. The digital marketplace for trading bee colonies was a first step, followed by PROJEKT 2028, which partners with companies to provide beekeepers with bee colonies in order to strengthen the bee population.
The importance of biodiversity and pollination
Insects, especially bees, are essential for the pollination of around 80 percent of all crops. Without them, the production of foods such as fruit, vegetables and nuts would be severely jeopardized. However, the decline in bee populations is due to a variety of causes, including monocultures with short flowering periods, the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids, land sealing and climate change. Wild bees in particular, which require specialized habitats, are severely threatened. This loss of biodiversity has not only ecological but also economic consequences for agriculture and the entire ecosystem.
The fight against bee mortality
The challenges for beekeepers are manifold. In addition to natural factors such as the Varroa mite and American foulbrood, it is primarily economic aspects that threaten the existence of many beekeepers. The import of cheap, stretched honey from countries with lower production standards is putting domestic beekeepers under pressure. This so-called dumping honey not only jeopardizes the livelihood of beekeepers, but also the quality and purity of the honey itself.
An important step towards safeguarding the bee population and promoting biodiversity lies in educating consumers about the differences between genuine, high-quality honey and inferior imports. The recently introduced mandatory labeling of honey in the EU helps consumers to make informed choices. Regional and organic labels also play a crucial role in strengthening the appreciation of local honey and promoting fair competition.
The link between biodiversity and the climate crisis
The decline in biodiversity and the climate crisis are closely intertwined. An intact natural environment is fundamental for regulating the climate and adapting to change. Measures to protect biodiversity therefore not only contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, but can also help to curb climate change and mitigate its effects.
Outlook: Awareness and willingness to act
Despite the challenges, there is hope and concrete progress. PROJEKT 2028 has already mobilized numerous partners from business and civil society and is committed to a sustainable future in which biodiversity and beekeeping go hand in hand.
It is up to all of us, through conscious action and support for local initiatives such as Hektar Nektar, to help ensure that honey continues to be a symbol of quality and sustainability – and that bees have the future they deserve.
hectares of nectar and their ambitious PROJECT 2028 impressively demonstrate how commitment and innovation can strengthen the bee population and promote biodiversity. Through partnerships with companies and a commitment to transparent honey production, they set standards for sustainability and environmental protection.
This is not just about protecting bees, but also about raising society’s awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Through educational programs and public campaigns, Hektar Nektar raises awareness of the critical role that bees play in our ecosystems and inspires people to take an active role in protecting the environment.
STORE ROOM and Hektar Nektar: a long-standing partnership
We also love bees and support the project with five of our own beehives at our Vienna South site in Brunn am Gebirge.
As a result, 250,000 busy bees have found a permanent home with us. By multiplying our beehives, we have already helped to increase the number of bees by around 500,000 – and of course we also produce our own delicious honey!
Through our social commitment we actively support the preservation of biodiversity and help to ensure that honey from Austria remains a symbol of quality and sustainability.
Let’s work together to protect our environment and secure a future worth living for generations to come. Because only through joint efforts can we really make a difference.