UrbanBEE: Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services & Engagement

Urban ecosystems worldwide are experiencing a concerning decline in pollinator populations, requiring robust research and actionable interventions. As part of the new European Biodiversity Partnership, the UrbanBEE project is tackling this challenge. Led by the Konrad Lorenz Research Center at the University of Vienna and AGES Agency for Health and Food Security the project investigates how urban heat islands impact biodiversity and the spread of diseases in solitary wild bees. By combining urban biodiversity research with citizen science, UrbanBEE aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity dynamics in urban landscapes. A key element of the project is the installation of solitary bee hotels, serving both as research stations and tools for active citizen engagement. Observations and data collection from the bee hotels will be conducted via a dedicated app, allowing urban residents to contribute to scientific research. This approach not only generates valuable insights into pollinator populations and disease prevalence but also raises public awareness about the importance of protecting urban biodiversity. UrbanBEE is a scalable research initiative spanning multiple European and African cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Lund, Turin, Harare, Cape Town and Johannesburg. The project addresses two critical knowledge gaps in the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS): assessing the scalability of such interventions across diverse urban contexts and integrating multiple stakeholder perspectives into decision-making processes. By promoting locally relevant actions with global significance, UrbanBEE enhances both biodiversity and human well-being.