Did you know bees are disappearing at an alarming rate?
These tiny pollinators are responsible for one-third of the food we eat, yet their populations continue to decline worldwide. They're ecological powerhouses that keep our food systems running. Every time a bee visits a flower, it transfers pollen that helps plants reproduce. Without this process, many crops would fail, including apples, almonds, blueberries, and countless vegetables.
Unfortunately, bee populations face serious threats. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease have created a perfect storm for bee decline. The statistics are sobering: some regions have lost up to 40% of their bee colonies in recent years.
Protecting bees to protect the environment
TP believes small actions can create meaningful change. That's why our teams in Portugal and Poland have embraced bee-focused initiatives that protect these essential creatures while bringing our communities together.
Here's how our European teams are making a difference for biodiversity, one bee at a time.
Portugal: Learning and tasting at Tapada de Mafra
Our teams in Portugal recently celebrated World Bee Day with an unforgettable experience. 70 participants, including colleagues and their families, gathered at Tapada de Mafra, a nature conservation park, to learn about bees and their vital role in our ecosystem. Participants had the opportunity to taste various bee products while learning about pollination, bee behavior, and biodiversity. Children and adults alike discovered fascinating facts about these incredible insects, all while maintaining a safe distance from the buzzing workers.
This hands-on approach made complex ecological concepts accessible to everyone. The partnership with Tapada de Mafra, a respected conservation organization, ensured the information was both accurate and engaging.
Poland: Hosting thousands of tiny tenants
Since 2021, tens of thousands of bees have been living on the rooftop of our Poznań office building in Poland. In March, our team provided their buzzing tenants with an extra food frame and a new super, an additional box placed on top of a beehive to provide extra space for honey storage. This expansion gave the growing colony more space to thrive.
The honey harvested from these rooftop hives serves multiple purposes, becoming gifts for business collaborations and shared during internal events. This approach turns a conservation project into a community-building tool that strengthens relationships both inside and outside the company.
The Polish team also organized educational campaigns and distributed seeds for individual planting at home. This extension of the bee initiative encourages employees to create bee-friendly spaces in their own neighborhoods, multiplying the positive impact beyond the office building.
As we continue to support our buzzing friends, we're looking forward to expanding these efforts. The honey harvest in Poland is just around the corner, and our Portuguese team is already planning their next educational event. Each initiative builds on the last, creating a growing network of bee-friendly spaces and informed advocates.
Our commitment to bees reflects our broader values of community, sustainability, and shared responsibility. By working together, we can create a world where both businesses and biodiversity thrive.
Learn more about Citizen of the Planet here.
