Photo by Bee Girl

Nonprofits fighting for pollinators

We need bees.

Right now, we're experiencing a massive decline of Earth's most important pollinators. 1 in 4 U.S. bee species are at risk of extinction, and numbers continue to decline around the globe. Pollination is an essential service, accounting for 1/3 of global food production. Without bees, our world will change for the worse. That's why we need on-the-ground climate action restoring bee habitats, conducting research and empowering communities to take action.

Meet 10 nonprofits in the 1% for the Planet network working tirelessly to protect the bees—and ensure a future where pollinators thrive.

Photo by The B4 Project

THE B4 PROJECT

U.K. | regional

MISSION

The B4 Project represents a group of beekeepers whose aim is to protect the UK’s native honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera. Their work centers around conserving, protecting and increasing the population of Apis mellifera mellifera through science and beekeeping. 

APPROACH

The B4 Project achieves its conservation goals by setting up reserves with like-minded beekeepers, working closely with scientists to identify genetic purity of samples taken geographically, informing the public about the EDHB and influencing decision makers.

Photo by Wild Survivors

WILD SURVIVORS

Tanzania | national

MISSION

Wild Survivors works to prevent human-elephant conflict by delivering sustainable initiatives that place community welfare at the heart of wildlife conservation.

APPROACH

In partnership with PAMS Foundation, Wild Survivors is installing beehive fences across the perimeters of farmland in Tanzania. The beehives form a naturally protective barrier between migrating elephants and farm crops, while also creating sustainable livelihoods in honey and wax production.

Photo by Peter Haringsma

BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION TRUST

U.K. | regional

MISSION

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s mission is to increase the number and distribution of bumblebees.

APPROACH

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is committed to enhancing the understanding of bumblebee ecology and conservation. They achieve these goals through habitat management, conservation education, ecology/entomology education, greenspace development and outdoor recreation.

Photo by The Bee Camp

THE BEE CAMP

Greece | national

MISSION

The Bee Camp is working toward a future where biodiversity is celebrated. Their mission is to make the world a better place for both people and pollinators through education and action.

APPROACH

The Bee Camp develops safe havens for bees in urban environments through the installation of Bee Spots—pollinator conservation sites. By interconnecting Bee Spots, they effectively create pathways for our most important pollinators. The nonprofit also harnesses the power of education to spread awareness on the importance of bees.

Photo by Mellifera

MELLIFERA

Germany | national

MISSION

Mellifera e. V. envisions a world with bees, humans and nature living in harmony. They promote respectful beekeeping practices and the protection of bees and their habitat.

APPROACH

The Mellifera association advocates for ecological and appropriate beekeeping as well as the protection of bees. The nonprofit introduces the fascinating world of bees through education and facilitates discussions around bees, their uses and their endangerment.

Photo by Planet Bee Foundation

PLANET BEE FOUNDATION

U.S. & Canada | international

MISSION

The Planet Bee Foundation is dedicated to creating a green-minded generation by spotlighting the bee to foster environmental literacy and stewardship through the power of individual action.

APPROACH

The Planet Bee Foundation works with schools, nonprofits, summer camps, environmental centers, community gardens and businesses to build long lasting care of honey bees and the environment by presenting hands-on, educational workshops.

Photo by Bee Girl

BEE GIRL

U.S. & Australia | national

MISSION

The Bee Girl organization works to educate and inspire communities to conserve bees, their flowers and their countryside.

APPROACH

Bee Girl supports the survival of bees through innovative agriculture initiatives, bee friendly vineyards, and pollinator projects. On top of this, they build networks of bee lovers to raise funds and better educate the public on how to best care for bees.

BEES FOR DEVELOPMENT

U.K., Ghana, Uganda & Ethiopia | international

MISSION

Bees for Development works globally to support resilient livelihoods and biodiversity by promoting sustainable beekeeping.

APPROACH

Bees for Development delivers practical community-based projects to change people’s lives for the better and support thriving ecosystems. To do this, they work with local partners and use local materials to support local bee populations. 

PROJECT POLLINATE

U.S. | national

MISSION

Project Pollinate works to create an educated, established, empowered community dedicated to sustaining a vibrant ecosystem for all through art, music and events.

APPROACH

Project Pollinate offers hands-on opportunities to work with pollinators and the earth. Through programming centered around education, sustainability and community building, they foster a sense of connection between people and the world around them.

Photo by The New Zealand Trees for Bees Research Trust

THE NEW ZEALAND TREES FOR BEES RESEARCH TRUST

New Zealand | international

MISSION

The New Zealand Trees for Bees Research Trust works to solve problems of malnutrition and starvation in bees for agricultural and horticultural production in New Zealand. 

APPROACH

The Trees for Bees NZ program provides research and creates templates for beekeepers and landowners to design and install strategic plantations of bee feed that will maximize bee health and survival.