LAST 15 MAY 2023, CAMPUSX, A LEADING COMPANY IN STUDENT HOUSING AND SHORT STAY, LAUNCHED A PROJECT FOR THE REBALANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN ITS ITALIAN CAMPUS, CALLED “URBAN OASES OF BIODIVERSITY”. THE INITIATIVE AIMS TO PROMOTE THE POLLINATION ACTIVITY OF INSECTS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE ABSORPTION OF CO₂
A health oasis for precious pollinators
Insects, such as bees, butterflies and dipterans, are vital for the pollination of many plant species and for agricultural production.
In particular, domestic and wild bees are responsible for approximately 70% of the pollination of all living plant species and guarantee approximately 35% of global food production (IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature). Over the last fifty years, agricultural production has increased by 30% thanks to their direct contribution, but their fate is uncertain.
A series of challenges threaten pollinators. Among the main ones are the conversion of lands for intensive agriculture and urbanization, which have drastically reduced their natural habitats. Other dangers arise from the use of lethal pesticides and climate change that alters the life cycles of insects and plants.
Consequently, in recent years we have been trying in every way to raise public awareness of the importance of bees, at 360°. An example above all, the establishment of a day dedicated to these wonderful creatures.
World Bee Day
Officially established in 2018 by the United Nations, every 20 May, the World Bee Day, is an invitation to reflect on the importance of these insects and the actions necessary to protect them. Their loss could in fact have serious consequences for ecosystems and global food security.
Just think, for example, that bees are responsible for around 70% of the pollination of all plant species and guarantee around 35% of global food production.
A call to action
In this context, the project “Urban Biodiversity Oases” promoted by CX (Campus & Hotel), aims to promote concrete initiatives.
Ernesto Albanesepresident of CampusX, declared that «to stem the decline of biodiversity, it is essential to adopt concrete and sustainable actions at individual, community and global levels. We must promote the conservation of natural habitats, reduce pollution and excessive consumption of resources. Each of us has the power to make a difference with conscious and committed daily choices to preserve our precious ecosystem».
But what are these “oasis of biodiversity”?
Urban oases of biodiversity
As part of an educational program aimed at raising young people’s awareness of environmental issues, CampusX (CX) together with the experts of 3Beean innovative agri-tech startup specialized in the development of monitoring systems for the safeguard and protection of bees, has created green spaces with aromatic plantssuch as rosemary, calendula, mint and lavender.
Plants which not only beautify urban spaces, but are also very important for the activity of pollinating insects, the essential guardians of biodiversity and natural balance.
In the oases you can also find small houses “refuge” for insects: wooden boxes with bamboo sticks, where insects can lay their eggs and start new life cycles.
Location
The urban biodiversity oases will be created within five CX campuses, namely Rome, Bari, Chieti, Florence and Turin Belfiore, with the intention of subsequently extending to the campuses of Trieste, Milan Bicocca and Milan Novate.
«With this new project, we at CX, together with our community of CXers, are committed to becoming a point of reference for the protection of biodiversity. We are aware of how fundamental it is to guarantee an eco-sustainable future for the planet and for future generations, to whom we dedicate all our attention», he underlines in a note Samuel HannibalCEO of CampusX.
The project is supported by Experience Foundationa philanthropic body that promotes student mobility, the right to education and eco-sustainability.
It also benefited from the contribution of Pestalia, leader in the pest control services sector.