Amsterdam in the breach for the wild bee, beekeepers feel pushed into a corner

Sugar Mizzy May 23, 2022

The municipality of Amsterdam wants a registration system for beekeepers and to reduce the number of beehives. The associated honeybees pose a threat to the endangered wild bee.

Researchers from the EIS foundation, the knowledge center for insects, conclude a study that concerns the number of honey bees.

“There are too many honeybees per square kilometer compared to the wild pollinator,” explains urban ecologist Sasja Voet. “The wild is very important for biodiversity, so it’s important that that comes back again. So that the honeybee and the wild can take advantage of the supply.”

Rules for beekeepers

The municipality is considering interventions to think about the wild. Possible measures are the number of beehives and beekeepers and introducing a registration obligation for them. “The beekeeper has done it and that is sad,” said beekeeper Dirk Dekker. “It is a pity that we are actually being displaced in this way, while we are the ambassadors for nature.”

The city council wants to reduce the number of beehives and on the basis of the EIS research, a registration system and permit application for beekeepers are being considered. Dirk Dekker is not unsympathetic to this, but he thinks it is unjust that the focus is mainly on measures for beekeepers. He argues for more flowers, among other things. “Create flower fields and perennials and let the people who enjoy them keep up with it,” he says. “And the insects have a huge benefit from this.”

Municipality comes to plan

The municipality says it is committed to doing so. “We plant flowers, provide more greenery and we only mow where it is necessary,” said one. “We also help Amsterdam residents to make their environment greener. Because it is important to develop that there is enough food for wild bees and other insects. That is why we are going to look at how we can ensure that we come up with a plan later this year. .”