ProtectaBEE: Innovating Beehive Protection and Conservation
Beekeepers facing the daunting challenges of changing climates, parasites, and threats such as varroa mites have a new ally in ProtectaBEE, a groundbreaking innovation by Ontario researchers. This ingenious device acts as a secure front porch for honeybee hives and promises to safeguard these essential pollinators.
A Hive's Battle for Survival
In recent years, beekeepers across the nation have grappled with substantial losses in bee colonies, largely attributed to a variety of factors. Climate fluctuations, disease-carrying varroa mites, and parasites have all played their part in this crisis. This spring, reports emerged of beekeepers in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec losing as much as 60% of their bees, indicating the severity of the problem.
A Solution Emerges
Addressing these challenges is Erica Shelley, the visionary founder of Best For Bees, a research and development company dedicated to beekeepers. Collaborating with University of Guelph researcher Peter Kevan, Shelley introduced ProtectaBEE, a hive entrance designed to protect honeybees and enhance their well-being.
The Ingenious Design
The ProtectaBEE device, featuring a distinctive red hue and specialized nozzles for hive access, initially found its purpose in bee vectoring, a process in development. Here, bees walk through a biocontrol powder before foraging, effectively spreading it onto crops while collecting pollen. This biocontrol powder serves the dual purpose of protecting crops and combating the parasitic varroa mite.
Erica Shelley and her team, however, discovered additional benefits during the product's testing phase. The red color of ProtectaBEE acts as a deterrent to other insects, offering protection against threats like wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and even robbing bees from different hives. It also serves as a shield against skunks and mice.
Global Recognition
ProtectaBEE's innovative approach has earned it international acclaim. The device clinched a prestigious silver medal at the World Beekeeping Awards, presented during the Apimondia International Apicultural Congress in Chile. Judges from around the world assessed numerous entries, ranging from large-scale machinery to inventive ideas. The recognition signifies a significant milestone in the journey to protect bee populations.
Enid Brown, a director with the World Bee Awards, emphasized the practicality and suitability of ProtectaBEE in her assessment. The judges, being seasoned beekeepers, scrutinized the exhibits for their practicality and adaptability. They also considered the uniqueness of the invention, recognizing it as a valuable contribution to the field.
A Promising Future for Beekeeping
Peter Kevan, whose previous research laid the foundation for ProtectaBEE, hails the device's simplicity and efficiency. As the beekeeping community increasingly adopts this innovation, it holds promise for commercial beekeeping, honey production, and bee conservation.
Kevan urges industry players, government agencies, and agricultural producers to consider ProtectaBEE as a vital tool in maintaining healthy bee populations. Despite Canada's leadership in bee health research, he believes that recognition and support from these sectors are essential to securing the future of bees.
Toward a Brighter Future for Bees
ProtectaBEE stands as a testament to the power of innovation in addressing environmental challenges. As beekeepers and researchers unite in the mission to protect these vital pollinators, there's hope for a future where bees thrive, ecosystems flourish, and the world continues to benefit from their essential role.
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