HERACLES Group supports the sustainable recovery of the critical beekeeping sector in Northern Evia
It supports more than 300 beekeepers whose production activity was affected by this summer’s major fires in the region, meeting the need for more than 150 tons of feed
True to its commitment to contribute directly and substantially to the real needs of local communities, HERACLES Group stands by the affected beekeepers suffering the dramatic consequences of last August's forest fires, while recognizing the paramount importance of bee protection for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem balance. Drawing inspiration from the admirable society of bees where solidarity, cooperation and hard work prevail, the Group supports the recovery of this critical sector, which contributes significantly to the local and national economy and even more to our natural environment.
Bees are the most important pollinators in nature, but also in agriculture. In nature they ensure the great diversity of species that makes the ecosystem stable, while in agriculture they contribute considerably to production. In this context, HERACLES Group is taking the initiative to provide bee feed for the next 6 months, supporting “One more feat for nature and entrepreneurship”. In the entire upcoming winter season, the company will meet the needs of beekeepers in the areas of Northern Evia affected by the fires, specifically the municipalities of Istiea – Edipsos and Ag. Anna – Limni – Mantoudi through the Beekeeping Cooperative of Istiaia “I Kypseli”.
Prioritising its contribution to the substantial support of beekeepers in the region and, by extension, their families, as well as the care of bees, HERACLES Group will provide feed for more than 20,000 bees, so that the beehives can stay at “home”. It should be noted that the Evia pine forest, the largest in the country generating 40 of the country's annual pine honey production, was the pasture for hundreds of thousands of “native” bees, but also the destination of many bees that migrated to the region for breeding and, by extension, honey production. The impact on honey production is estimated at a loss of about 10,000 tonnes of pine honey per year, as it is estimated that about 10,000 beehives were lost in the forest because of the fires.
On this, Ms Evi Ioannidou, HERACLES Group Communication & Public Relations Director, said: “The role of bees in nature is irreplaceable. From the very first moment, HERACLES Group took action to support those affected. Today we are taking yet another step forward, jointly planning the day after for the professional beekeepers of Evia, one of the most important beekeeping regions of the country. We listen to their distress, and we are jointly planning the initiative to ensure that the assistance offered will meet their real needs as much as possible.”
On his part, Mr Efstathios Albanis, President of the Beekeeping Cooperative of Istiaia “I Kypseli”, stated “We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to HERACLES Group for its contribution to our cooperative. With this generous assistance we will be able to take care of our beehives so that they can survive the difficult winter months. Come springtime, with relocations to other areas and the vegetation that we hope will grow in the region, we will support our beehives and produce honey.”
HERACLES Group of Companies
HERACLES Group, a member of LafargeHolcim, is the largest producer of building materials in Greece, with more than 100 years of presence in the market. With a network of 33 production and commercial facilities throughout Greece, the Group leads the transition of the building materials sector to a lower carbon sector that applies the principles of the circular economy regarding the use of resources. HERACLES Group offers to the Greek and international market innovative products and sustainable solutions that meet the differentiated needs of its customers as well as the requirements of the modern sustainable constructions.
More information is available on www.lafarge.gr
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