EarthOne: A Fresh Chapter in Environmental Reporting
AsiaOne has rolled out a new section called EarthOne, all about keeping our planet in check and, of course, backed by science. Curious for more? Find articles like this right here.
Bee Hotels: A Cozy Retreat for Solitary Pollinators
In Barbosa, Colombia, the Aburra Valley Metropolitan Authority has built tiny wooden hotels where solitary bees can unwind after a day of hard‑working pollination. These hexagonal structures, topped with clear acrylic roofs that guard against rain, are stocked with various bamboo canes. Whether big or small, every bee can check in and get a well‑deserved rest.
<img alt="" data-caption="Wooden hotels for solitary bees made by the Metropolitan Area of the Aburra Valley (AMVA) are seen inside the Water Park in Barbosa, Colombia, April 21, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”4701c5ae-312e-42a3-aff2-05e6912d67bb” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210504_woodenhotelsforsolitarybees_reuters.jpg”/>
Breathing New Life into Bamboo Boardrooms
“It’s like a hotel because here they’re going to have a quiet moment in their room … before setting off again,”
— Hector Ivan Valencia, the ever‑cheerful assistant for the local authority’s risk‑management unit.
Every afternoon, fearless helpers like Valencia swoop in with paintbrushes and a dash of good vibes, giving those bamboo rooms a gentle touch‑up. Think of it as a mini‑vacation for the workplace: a tranquil pause, a soft reset, then back to action.
So what’s on the daily menu?
- Gentle sweep‑cleaning of bamboo walls
- Fine‑tuned paintwork to keep the space fresh
- Little touches of comfort that turn a desk room into a real hotel‑style retreat
Thanks to the mum‑and‑dad… or assistant‑style workers like Valencia, the bamboo rooms stay cozy, welcoming—and always ready to launch the crew back into their next big plan.
<img alt="" data-caption="Hector Ivan Valencia, an assistant for the local authority's risk management unit, cleans the structure of a wooden hotel for solitary bees made by the Metropolitan Area of the Aburra Valley (AMVA) in Barbosa, Colombia, April 21, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”dff85380-448e-4035-9b3a-34a1a117741b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210504_hectorcleaning_reuters.jpg”/>
Colombia’s Buzzing Backyard: The Bee‑tastic Story
When the Swarm Meets the Street
Valencia laughs, “If this was just another hotel, I’d be one of those folks who sweep out the rooms.” That’s the everyday reality for Colombia’s honey heroes – they’re keeping our flavor in check and even cleaning up the air.
Bee Stats that Might Make You Stop & Listen
- Colombia, the planet’s second‑most biodiverse playground, boasts 550 documented bee varieties (yes, they’re way more than the buzz that follows a coffee cup).
- And that’s probably just the tip of the hive—entomologists believe it could swell up to 1,445 species humming in the wild.
Why These Buzz‑kins Are Super‑Important (And Super‑Risky)
Bee goers are the unsung MVPs for fertilizing plants and keeping the planet’s food cycle humming. But the very humans that built our world are threatening them with:
- Pesticides and fertilizers—like a bad perfume that sticks around until the next generation.
- Climate change—once the sky gets hot enough that even the coolest bees start setting their own thermostat.
So, next time you pop a honey‑comb or sniff a freshly bloomed flower, remember that behind every sweet scent is a tiny worker in a field armies of swarms, fighting to keep the world from turning into a honey‑less bagel, and that Valencia might be on her way to mop up the leftovers of a room full of buzzing comrades.
<img alt="" data-caption="A wasp walks on the nest that's built inside a wooden hotel for solitary bees made by the Metropolitan Area of the Aburra Valley (AMVA) in Barbosa, Colombia, April 21, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9136d6cf-ba02-4553-86e2-1e2b39852417″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210504_awaspwalkisonthenestbuilt_reuters_0.jpg”/>
Bee Hotels Boost Sweet Friends Across Aburra Valley
In the sunny span of the Aburra Valley, a quirky little project is buzzing with promise: a network of bee hotels now spans 10 municipalities, from the tranquil town of Barbosa all the way to Colombia’s bustling second city, Medellín.
Why We’re Adding a Little Hive‑Style Shelter to Every Corner
- Juan David Palacio, director of the metro area’s Environmental and Transportation Authority, warned that “globally, bees are feeling the squeeze, losing safe spaces bit by bit.”
- He emphasized that the honey‑producing varieties are getting the headlines, but the subtle heroes—solitary bees—often slip into the background.
Solitary Bees: The Overlooked Unsung Heroes
Valencia, a leading advocate for those tiny critters, pointed out that “these little bees are supremely sensitive to poisons, and since they don’t churn out honey, no one’s shouting out their plight.”
With the bee hotels, the team is essentially throwing a lifeline to these silent workers, giving them a safe haven to nest, forage, and help the ecosystem thrive.
How the Bee Hotels Work
- Structure: Made from recycled timber, the hotels create a variety of micro‑habitats tailored to different species.
- Placement: Strategically positioned in parks, gardens, and public green spaces across the 10 municipalities.
- Impact: By providing nesting spots, the hotels aim to increase local bee populations and thus boost biodiversity.
With humor and heart, the campaign invites everyone to join the mission: the next time you smell fresh honey—thanks to those tiny residents—think of the humble bee hotel that helped them thrive. And remember, every bee counts, whether it’s producing honey or just hanging out in a cozy timber nook.
