What is Wilding?
One cardinal focus of our work lies in the rehabilitation and protection of wild (non-managed) honeybees through wilding. In the context of honeybee conservation, wilding is not defined by the geo-historical distribution of the species, but rather represents a shift towards the rehabilitation of their natural nesting habitat and ecosystems and the restoration of their fundamental birthright. Wilding gives nature the space and opportunity to express itself. This pioneering approach is changing the science of ecology.
It is a disruptive and pioneering niche of conservation, one that we spearhead in the US and one that is also gaining traction in other places around the world.
How does it work?
With a focus on self-willed ecological processes, wilding becomes a driver of change for the science of ecology and conservation. Wilding is restoration by letting go and allowing nature to take the driving seat. It’s a dynamic system that is self-sustaining and productive.
Wilding bees is centered on naturally occurring, wild, and unmanaged honeybee ecosystems. Apis Arborea integrates the innovative concept of LocApiary (local watershed apiaries) and shows how it can serve as a powerful resource towards a life-sustaining shift within apiculture and conservation. We are developing new strategies and references to allow us to understand honeybees as a naturalized species and a co-constituent of the wider pollinator community. We create resources for designing apian networks that have ecological and ethical integrity. It is a compass point for strategies beyond sustainability.
As wild Honeybees survive in non-managed ecosystems and nest sites, they represent a resource for new strategies for contemporary conservation and apiculture. Arboreal apiculture explores new ways of animal stewardship and conservation in a time that calls for out-of-the-box thinking. TreeNests are bio-mimicking resilient ecological environments essential for the thriving and survival of the species. TreeNests are a tool for restoring nest habitat and protecting honeybees in a time of mass extinction.
Our programs empower local watersheds and invest in the wisdom and natural resources of all landscapes. They are centered around existing populations. We do not move nor introduce honeybees into new watersheds.
We also focus on self-sustaining apian networks and cultivated landscapes.
