Ten Beehives Installed on the Roof of the VSB-TUO Canteen in Ostrava-Poruba
In 2024, ten beehives were installed on the roof of the VSB-TUO canteen in Ostrava-Poruba. The first five beehives were placed in the spring, followed by another five in August of the same year. As part of this project, the first batch of honey, weighing a total of 180 kg, was harvested in July 2024. The honey was partially used in the canteen, enriching the menu for students and staff, and partially offered to university employees in returnable glass jars. The bees are cared for year-round by the group "Beekeepers VSB-TUO," which ensures the continuation and maintenance of the project.
Bees as Key Pollinators of Urban Greenery
Bees ensure the pollination of plants in a wide area around the university. Given the diverse vegetation on campus and in the surrounding areas, the bees have abundant access to flowers, trees, and shrubs, which aids their growth and development. The result is healthier and more diverse greenery, which enriches the urban environment both visually and ecologically. Pollination supports fruit production, attracting other species like birds and small animals, which become part of the local ecosystem.
Thanks to the bees, the quality of the urban environment is also improved, both on campus and in the adjacent parts of Ostrava-Poruba. Trees, shrubs, and flowers contribute to cleaner air, retain moisture, and reduce temperatures, positively affecting the local microclimate.
Sustainability in Practice: Honey from University Beehives
One tangible result of the presence of bees on the roof of the canteen is honey production. In July 2024, a total of 180 kg of honey was harvested, which is an impressive result that underscores the efficiency and benefits of this project. The honey was partially used in the canteen, becoming part of the menu for students and staff, supporting the concept of sustainable dining and locally sourced ingredients directly from the university campus.
The remaining honey was offered to university employees in environmentally friendly returnable jars. This approach not only supports the circular economy but also gives the university community the opportunity to actively participate in the project and appreciate the direct benefits of the bees in their environment.
Beekeepers VSB-TUO: Year-round Care for the Hives
As part of the project, the "Beekeepers VSB-TUO" group was formed, which cares for the bees year-round, ensuring optimal conditions and monitoring their health. The project is overseen by Prof. Ing. Bohumír Strnadel, DrSc., and Pavel Podveský, who bring their expertise to the care of the bees. Their goal is not only to plan honey production and maintain the hives but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and its contribution to the university's sustainability efforts.
Bees as a Symbol of Sustainability and Education
The beekeeping project at VSB-TUO is not just about honey production. It reflects a broader vision of sustainability that the university has been pursuing for a long time. Placing the bees on the canteen roof demonstrates that even in an urban setting, successful initiatives can be developed to support biodiversity, reduce ecological footprints, and engage the wider public.
Students and staff have the opportunity to learn about nature’s workings directly on campus and understand the importance of pollinator protection for the sustainability of life on Earth. This project thus serves as an example of how a university can be a place of innovation not only in the academic field but also in the practical protection of the environment.
The bees on the canteen roof are a concrete contribution to better biodiversity, a higher-quality environment, and ecological literacy, not only on the VSB-TUO campus but also in the whole of Ostrava-Poruba.
