Sani/Ikos Group and TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas launch significant Beehive Adoption initiative to restore biodiversity in Mount Parnitha in the wake of recent wildfires

Aiming to restore biodiversity in Mount Parnitha, the largest green lung of Attica region in Greece, following the devastating wildfires of recent years, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and the Sani/Ikos hospitality Group have created the “SAVE THE BEE - The Parnitha Bee Project” as part of their sustainability and corporate social responsibility programmes.

More specifically, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and Sani/Ikos Group join forces to replace all recorded bee colonies lost in the fires, though an extensive three-year adoption programme. With “SAVE THE BEE - The Parnitha Bee Project”, more than 58,000 acres of land in Parnitha will benefit from pollination, as 1.5 million bees will pollinate 19.4 billion flowers over a three-year period. The contractors of the programme, in collaboration with certified beekeepers from the non-profit organization Bee for Planet, will ensure the provision of food, daily care, and maintenance of the beehives. There are also plans, in collaboration with the Hellenic Agricultural Organization - ELGO "DIMITRA", to establish herb gardens near the beehives to provide food for the bees. Furthermore, the Laboratory of Apiculture and Beekeeping of the Agricultural University of Athens is supervising and conducting measurements related to the progress of the “SAVE THE BEE” project, with the aim to monitor and record changes in biodiversity in the areas affected by the bees -and beyond- over a three-year period.

The official announcement of the programme was made on the occasion of Earth Day - April 22 in Mount Parnitha, with the participation of the contractors, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and Sani/Ikos Group, the implementing body Bee for Planet, and the Attica Region, under the auspices of which the programme is implemented. Employees of both companies and their families had the opportunity to learn about the “SAVE THE BEE” programme and its benefits for Mount Parnitha's biodiversity through various entertaining and awareness raising activities for both adults and children. A guided tour at the three key beehive adoption sites in Thrakomakedones, Fyli, and Varympompi was followed by extensive updates on all stages of supervision, recording, and study of the programme by the Agricultural University of Athens.

Here, you may watch the “SAVE THE BEE - The Parnitha Bee Project” video.

 Mr. Ioannis Kallias, CEO of TÜV Austria Hellas, stressing the importance of private sector initiatives in environmental protection, stated: "It is important for all of us, first and foremost as citizens, but also as responsible corporate citizens, to take action on issues that concern us. Mount Parnitha is the main green lung for Attica, which has suffered enormous destruction since 2007. At TÜV Austria Hellas, with sustainability and 'green' growth at the core of our business, we believe that it is our duty to create a programme that will enhance its natural regeneration and contribute to a greener future for generations to come."

Ms. Eleni Andreadis, Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at Sani/Ikos Group, noted: "Acknowledging the vital role of bees in restoring ecosystems that have been affected by wildfires, such as Mount Parnitha, the Sani/Ikos Group decided to join forces with TÜV Austria Hellas in an effort to enhance the natural regeneration of the mountain's biodiversity. This initiative is part of our sustainability programmes focusing on protecting the significant ecosystems of the Mediterranean, such as forests, wetlands in Sani, Halkidiki, dolphin populations in Thermaikos, and insect colonies, which we implement as part of our environmental strategy."

"The Attica Region applauds the significant 'Save the Bee' initiative for Mount Parnitha, concurrently sending a powerful message of awareness and, above all, action for the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems, the planet, and the well-being of people," said Ms. Loukia Kefalogianni, Deputy Regional Governor of the Northern Sector of the Attica Region.

The “SAVE THE BEE - The Parnitha Bee Project” also includes educational and awareness-raising activities for the public, aiming to motivate and engage citizens on biodiversity protection issues, for a more sustainable future.

More information about the programme is available here.