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Sustainable Cities and Biodiversity Protection—The Case of Pollinators: An Analysis of the Bee Density Index in Macroregions of Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Natalia Guz

    (Department of Law and Public Policy, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Karolina Palimąka

    (Institute for Financial Research and Analysis, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Adam Masłoń

    (Department of Environmental Engineering and Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6 Av., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

Abstract

There is a growing interest in protecting pollinators in cities as part of efforts to promote biodiversity and sustainable development. However, many initiatives setting up urban apiaries or CSR campaigns remain superficial and do not take into account the real needs of wild pollinators. The article examines whether various interventions like promoting the protection of bees (and other pollinators), rain gardens, and green roofs align (or do not align) with the biodiversity conservation objectives. A review of practices was conducted, identifying cases of beewashing and comparing the ecological effects of establishing apiaries with activities that promote wild pollinators. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of the bee density index, which was used to assess the relationship between the number of bee colonies and the availability of food resources and highlight the risk of overpopulation and its potential consequences. The results indicate the occurrence of overgrazing, which refers to an excessively high density of breeding bee apiaries in each studied NUTS 1 region, and their number has been steadily increasing over the analyzed period. An analysis of available strategic and planning documents of selected cities (particularly provincial capitals and Poland’s largest urban centers) reveals limited commitment to pollinator protection. Although the analysis was conducted for macroregions in Poland, this work also indicates how to properly design and communicate pollinator-friendly urban activities to truly support ecological resilience and sustainable urban development, not only in the case of Poland but also more broadly.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Guz & Karolina Palimąka & Adam Masłoń, 2025. "Sustainable Cities and Biodiversity Protection—The Case of Pollinators: An Analysis of the Bee Density Index in Macroregions of Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8554-:d:1756659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristina Ayala-Azcarraga & Ismael A. Hinojosa-Diaz & Oliva Segura & Rodrigo Pacheco-Muñoz & Amaya Larrucea-Garritz & Daniel Diaz, 2025. "Evaluation of Sustainable Landscape Design: Presence of Native Pollinators in an Urban Park in Mexico City, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-23, January.
    2. Riccardo Testa & Antonio Asciuto & Giorgio Schifani & Emanuele Schimmenti & Giuseppina Migliore, 2019. "Quality Determinants and Effect of Therapeutic Properties in Honey Consumption. An Exploratory Study on Italian Consumers," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-12, August.
    3. Aliz Feketéné Ferenczi & Isván Szűcs & Andrea Bauerné Gáthy, 2023. "Evaluation of the Pollination Ecosystem Service of the Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera ) Based on a Beekeeping Model in Hungary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-14, June.
    4. Francis A. Drummond & Aaron Kinyu Hoshide, 2024. "An Economic Cost/Benefit Tool to Assess Bee Pollinator Conservation, Pollination Strategies, and Sustainable Policies: A Lowbush Blueberry Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-28, April.
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