BEE-BIO-NET: Blooming landscapes for wild bees and other pollinators in the Marchfeld region in Austria

Challenge

Wild bees in Marchfeld faced shrinking habitats due to intensive farming, frequent mulching and missing ecological structures. Species were confined to isolated reserves and could not spread. Although interest in biodiversity was high, local stakeholders lacked guidance, suitable seeds and long-term maintenance strategies.

Objective

The project aimed to create high-quality, permanent habitats for wild bees and other pollinators, increase ecological connectivity, and strengthen regional capacity. It sought to install wildflower areas, shift municipal maintenance to ecological regimes, provide regional seed mixtures, empower stakeholders and establish a lasting biodiversity network.

Approach

The project reached its objectives by:

• Dissemination of site-specific seed mixtures from hand-collected regional genotypes
• Installation of new wildflower areas and ecological extensification of municipal land
• Workshops, school activities and public events
• Volunteer activation and stakeholder networking
• Ongoing guidance, site visits and management plans

Achieved Results

The project created over 3.05 ha of new or ecologically enhanced areas, activated a volunteer group, reached 110+ people through events, shifted two municipalities to ecological mowing in certain areas, supported the regional genotypes of rare plants and increased awareness of the European Green Belt. A strong regional network now sustains the work.