POLLINATOR SHELTER BRICKS IN SCHOOLS OF THE CYCLADES

A pioneering initiative to protect solitary bees has begun in the Cyclades, with the installation of innovative ecological brick shelters in school facilities.

The bricks—patented by the Laboratory of Reinforced Concrete and Seismic Design of Structures at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) — combine safety, high durability, and sustainable construction with nesting space for solitary bees, simulating their natural habitat. They are self-cleaning, can be integrated into load-bearing or green masonry, and require no maintenance.

The initiative is implemented by Beelosophy in collaboration with the Environmental Education Centre of Syros-Hermoupolis, within the framework of the project CYCLADES' WAY OF BEE-ING. It is incorporated into the schools' environmental education programmes and is accompanied by educational material and guidelines for the proper use of the bricks.

The Scientific Coordinator of the CYCLADES' WAY OF BEE-ING project, Angelos Karagiannis, stated:
"With this initiative, we place sustainable construction at the service of biodiversity and actively engage the school community in the protection of pollinators."

The Director of Environmental Education Centre of Syros-Hermoupolis, Christos Kollias, emphasised that the initiative "strengthens the participation of the local community in ecosystem protection and promotes the sustainable coexistence of humans and bees".

In spring, students will observe pollinators, collect valuable scientific data, and exchange experiences, contributing to their protection and to curbing the decline of their populations. The bricks will operate complementarily with other actions of the project, as well as with related initiatives from other programmes.

Participating schools include: the Kindergarten and Primary School of Poseidonia (Syros), the Kindergarten of Vari (Syros), the High School of Tinos, and the Primary School of Ios.

The collaboration between Beelosophy, Environmental Education Centre of Syros-Hermoupolis, and Democritus University of Thrace highlights the role of scientific research in linking biodiversity protection, innovation in the built environment, and environmental education.

CYCLADES' WAY OF BEE-ING
Funding Programme: "Natural Environment & Climate Resilience 2024"
Axis 2: "Innovative Actions with Citizens"
Funding Body: Green Fund
Beneficiaries: BEELOSOPHY & Environmental Education Centre of Syros-Hermoupolis