There is no doubt that the public has a fascination with bees, driven by an increasing awareness of the role that they play in both global food production, and maintenance of ecosystems. Parallel to this has been the realisation that they are facing a myriad of threats, from habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, exotic pests and disease.

The powerful groundswell of community desire to ‘save the bees’ has created a challenge for scientists, conservationists and city planners. What bees are we saving? What does this mean in a practical sense for urban planning?

The webinar will unpack some of the key themes from his recent research and experience with community engagement, and explore how we can adapt urban spaces for both the bees and ourselves:

• How to harness the ‘familiarity effect’ to expand our love of exotic honeybees to include native species
• Latest research on urban pollinator gardens and enhanced wildlife corridors
• Incorporating pollinator-friendly design into the adaptations to protect against heatwaves, floods and the other impacts of global heating.

This event will run off Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will run for 1 hour. The webinar will be recorded and a link to the webinar will be sent to all registered attendees in the days after the webinar.

Cormac Farrell | Environmental Scientist (CEnvP), author and urban beekeeper

Cormac Farrell is an environmental scientist with over 25 years’ experience working in urban resilience, urban conservation and national environment laws. Along the way he developed an interest in both native and European honeybees, and is best known as Head Beekeeper for the Australian Parliament. He manages several apiaries throughout the Canberra region, creating unique food experiences that educate and inspire, pushing the boundaries of what cities can produce. He has recently published a book Urban Beekeeping – the City as a Hive.

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