Merak is committed to... bees.
september 2024 - in Merak
At Merak, we take sustainability seriously, and we show that through concrete actions. One of our most recent and inspiring initiatives is the adoption of two bee populations. We are proud to call ourselves a "nectarist" and thus contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the environment.
Why bees?
Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystems as pollinators of flowers and plants. Their work is essential for biodiversity and our food supply. Unfortunately, bees are being threatened worldwide by pesticides, habitat loss, disease, parasites and climate change. These threats have serious consequences, not only for the bees themselves, but for the whole ecosystem and, ultimately, also for our food security. By adopting bees, we are committed to preserving this important species and we support the natural processes that are essential for a healthy planet.
Social impact
Our bee project has not only an ecological, but also a social impact. The beehives are built by a social enterprise, which also takes care of harvesting and packaging the honey in personalised Merak honey pots. In this way, we contribute to corporate social responsibility and support local employment.
How does it work?
On 4 July 2024, our Mechelen site welcomed two hives, supplied by experienced beekeepers from Nectarist. The hives have been placed behind the bushes in the parking lot, where they can flourish safely and undisturbed. Beekeepers attend to the bees on a regular basis, so that they can survive under optimal conditions and contribute to the biodiversity of the environment.
Safety
The bees we have adopted are bred for their gentle character, which means they become less irritated and have little chance of attacking people. However, we ask our employees to keep a safe distance of about four metres and not disturb the bees.
Workshops and bee hotels
In addition to the adoption of bees, we also organise workshops for our employees, in which they can build their own bee hotels. These hotels serve as shelters, sanctuaries and incubators for solitary bees. We use recycled wood made from felled trees and old pallets to do this, which again underlines our commitment to sustainability. During the workshops, our colleagues can use their creativity and technical skills to contribute to the environment. A winning bee hotel will also be chosen, for which we will find just the right spot.
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