Sustainable Solutions: Why Community Managers Must 'Bee' Unique!

Community managers can actively contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by taking concrete steps towards implementing environmentally friendly practices and fostering a sense of social responsibility among residents.

One of the most common complaints a Community Manager receives is that of pest control, especially concerning bee hives/nests. A natural response to this is to call in a pest control service, who will 'handle' the situation. But this is where a community manager can choose to 'bee' unique.

The recent Chapter Meeting of Community Management Institute Middle East (CAIME) showcased why and how community managers can help in promoting ethical removal of bee nests without harming or killing nature's most underrated hard workers. The meeting not only highlighted the importance of bees for biodiversity but also provided actionable ways community managers can contribute to preserving a green and sustainable environment.

Meriem Hammal, the Outreach Manager at the Beekeepers Association in the UAE and a guest speaker at the event, shared valuable insights on how community managers can play an active role in protecting these insects and ensuring the safety of residents. Meriem emphasized that education is key in this regard. Community managers must educate themselves and their residents about the importance of bees and their impact on the environment and communities at large.

To take concrete action, community managers can implement a range of initiatives :

Establish Partnerships : Collaborate with local beekeeping associations, environmental organizations, or experts in the field to establish partnerships. These collaborations can provide valuable guidance and support in addressing bee-related issues within the community.

Conduct Education and Awareness Programs : Organize educational workshops, seminars, or awareness campaigns to inform residents about the importance of bees and their role in pollination. These initiatives can dispel misconceptions about bees and foster a positive attitude towards their presence in the community.

Implement Bee-Friendly Landscaping : Work with landscape professionals to create bee-friendly environments in the outer areas of the community. Plant native flowering plants, herbs, and trees that provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees. Promoting biodiversity and providing suitable habitats can help bees thrive naturally while enhancing the community's aesthetics.

Offer Guidelines for Residents : Develop guidelines or information packets to educate residents on how to respond to bee-related issues appropriately.

Coordinate Hive Relocation Services : Instead of resorting to extermination methods, establish connections with beekeepers or pest control services that specialize in relocating beehives. These professionals can safely relocate hives that pose a threat or are located in inaccessible areas, without causing harm to the bees or residents.

By embracing these strategies and actively involving residents in bee conservation efforts, community managers can create a sustainable and bee-friendly environment within their communities. The collaboration between community managers, residents, and relevant organizations will help protect bees and support the overall well-being of the ecosystem.

Chapter members realised that they need to take a strong look into their KPIs and see how they can help in bringing about a change and encourage their pest control service providers to train in ethical bee nest removal. This will help upkeep their communities in a more sustainable manner. The evening ended with a fun workshop in an organic honey tasting session.