Quick facts
Established in 2012
Based in Oslo, Norway
Mission to improve the living conditions of pollinators
SDG’ s impacted by the compay’ s activities: 9 , 11 , 12 , 15 .
By Bi is Oslo' s urban beekeeping team, established in 2012 . At the same time, it is [ VV 1 ] also an environmental organization with a focus on biological diversity. Bybi is organized as a local team under the Norwegian Beekeepers' Association and they have around 300 members which help on voluntary efforts. The team is composed of a network of breeders, urban farmers, bi- enthusiasts, pollinators and urban developers who want to improve the living conditions of pollinators. With around 150 colonies in 30 locations, Bybi employs marginalized people to plant f lowers in windowsills, place beehives on rooftops, and harvest and pack honey. In so doing, the group is bringing the benefits of biodiversity to urban areas.
How does the organization address societal challenges in an innovative way?
By Bi works continuously to ensure that both honey bees and wild bees have good living conditions in Oslo. They motivate and inspire sustainable urban development that safeguards Oslo' s unique nature and ensures a species- rich and f lourishing biological diversity.
Bybi also works alongside an organisation which provides training to those who have fallen out of society. Thus they provide an opportunity for people who are at a disadvantage such as migrants and refugees, elderly people new to retirement and those suffering from mental health issues ( depression, burnt out) to do some voluntary work such as designing the packaging for honey pots, organising the packaging of the honey etc and developing the labels. It is a nice and safe space where individuals can socialise, work creatively and communicate with others. They learn and develop vital interpersonal skills of communication, creativity and collaboration which are necessary for today’ s job market. Bybi also have co-sharing beekeeping where people from all backgrounds and ages can come and work together to oversee maintenance. It is a great opportunity for those new to Oslo to meet new people and become a part of a great community.
Bybi collaborates with companies on a number of different initiatives that both concretely contribute to improving the living conditions for pollinating insects and spread knowledge and commitment about the bees' lives and work. Pollinating insects are in decline all over the world, and are threatened by, among other things, climate change, natural loss, changes in the cultural landscape, the use of chemical pesticides and invasive species. By Bi’ s Partners contribute to By Bi being able to continue the important work of spreading understanding of the importance of insects for a healthy, climate- robust and clean city with a rich biological diversity.
What societal benefit does the organization create?
Beekeeping offers various opportunities to start an enterprise based around producing and selling gourmet/ natural honey. Bybi trains individuals in the necessary skills and knowledge to start and develop their own beekeeping also for commercial use. Individuals can also sell their honey back to Bybi.
For example, Bybi is now in a new collaboration with a specialist cocktail maker in Oslo, who is fascinated by the concept of honey as wine ( in other words, depending on what f lower was pollinated to make the honey, the honey will taste different). Thus, he wants to collaborate with By Bi to purchase various honey for new gourmet cocktail recipes. This is one unique example of business ideas and creation of jobs for beekeepers for such a project.
By Bi is also involved in a initiative to create the world’ s f irst ‘ highway for bees’ in Oslo,to provide a safe and sustainable transport environment for the city’ s bee population, many species of which are now endangered. The bee highway is a collaborative community project that invites local schools, businesses, public organisations, and Oslo residents to get involved with installing bee- friendly feeding stations, shelters and pit- stops throughout the city’ s urban environment.
How does the organization increase financial capital?
There are a few ways in which By Bi maintain their sustainable profit: Basic course in beekeeping 2022 By Bi' s basic course in beekeeping is open to everyone, with or without bees, whether you live in the city or not. Durign the course, the partecipants learn everything they need to know and will also meet people who share same interest in bees and beekeeping. The partecipant will also be included in a network that supports each other throughout the season.
Since the establishment in 2012 , Bybi have offered the course many times and structured it with inspiration from the Norwegian Beekeepers' Association' s course for beginners. Over the years Bybi have expanded and sharpened the curriculum to become a solid and popular breeding education that provides a good foundation to become a skilled beekeeper.
Fermentation with honey: Demonstration, inspiration and tasting. At By Bi Honning Hub, they want to increase the status of the honey product through the dissemination of knowledge, arranging tasting evenings and food courses, and through information aimed at professionals such as beekeepers and honey producers, chefs, sommelier and restaurateurs.
Certification course: The Norwegian Beekeepers' Association offers certification courses ( also called competence courses) in beekeeping. This concerns diseases and parasites in bees, as well as disease prevention work. To be able to take the exam, you must have both participated in a study, as well as heard the digital certification lecture from the Norwegian Beekeepers' Association. The certification is valid for 10 years.
What new urban trades are created in the project?
Essentially beekeeping in urban spaces is the new trade. Beekeeping is not often thought about as a means of trading, but there is plenty of opportunities to start a business based on raring bees and producing honey sustainably. Bybi training enables people to explore opportunities for personal or professional development.
What makes the organization particularly interesting as an example?
By Bi works continuously to ensure that both honey bees and wild bees have good living conditions in Oslo. They motivate and inspire sustainable urban development that safeguards Oslo' s unique nature and ensures a species- rich and flourishing biological diversity.
By Bi also works alongside an organisation which provides training to those who have fallen out of society. Thus they provide an opportunity for people who are at a disadvantage such as migrants and refugees, elderly people new to retirement and those suffering from mental health issues ( depression, burnt out). They are able to do some voluntary work such a designing the packaging for honey pots or organising the packaging of the honey and developing the labels. It is a nice and safe space where individuals can socialise, work creatively and communicate with others. They learn and develop vital interpersonal skills of communication, creativity and collaboration which are necessary for today’ s job market.