In 2023, the Vontobel Foundation offered support to IG Wilde Biene (“Wild Bee”) by contributing to the further development of their Bee-Finder app, which enhances the quality of measures to promote biodiversity.
The non-profit association IG Wilde Biene was founded in 2020. Through various projects, it is committed to promoting wild bee populations in Switzerland. Additionally, the association contributes to improving scientific data on the occurrence and habits of native wild bee species.
With the Bee-Finder web app, IG Wilde Biene has created a powerful tool for the practical promotion of local wild bee populations in both private and public spaces. Bee-Finder provides specific information about the rare and endangered wild bee species at a specific location and describes their pollen preferences and structural requirements for their hives. This requires knowledge of the current bee fauna at the location, so as more and more communities recognize their responsibility and acknowledge the multi-layered benefits of Bee-Finder, knowledge is continuously added about the distribution of wild bees in new communities. The Bee-Finder app makes existing information accessible to a wide user group, improving the quality of biodiversity promotion measures.
"Due to intensive land use and soil sealing, wild bees are increasingly under pressure."
André Rey, President, IG Wilde Biene
"With the Bee-Finder app, IG Wilde Biene takes an innovative approach to improving the quality of biodiversity promotion measures. Ultimately, we all benefit from this."
Dr. Alex Rübel, Board Member, Vontobel Foundation