Protection of species diversity and biodiversity: The Federal Army relies on the power of bees
Vienna (OTS) – 20 organic bee colonies live in the Maria Theresa Barracks in Vienna. The population in the hives grows to around one million bees over the course of the year. The hard-working bees, which live in the largest “green barracks” in Vienna, produce around 1,000 kg of organic honey per season. The location of the barracks in the 13th district is of great importance for the Schönbrunn district: the bees pollinate numerous plants and flowers.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Bees are extremely important not only for the environment, but also for us humans. By offering bees a habitat, we give something back to nature and counteract the extinction of species. Through our initiatives such as flowering meadows, we not only promote biodiversity, but also climate protection.”
The beehives are inhabited by the organic “Carnica” bee breed. The bee population increases from spring to the summer solstice. During this time the bee colony grows to around one million bees. The life expectancy of summer bees is around 5 weeks. Winter bees hatch in the fall and live up to nine months. The queen bee lays up to 2,000 eggs every day. Worker bees emerge after 21 days and drones emerge after 24 days. In the summer months, around 40,000 honey bees hatch every day in the Maria Theresa Barracks. The honey produced is distributed in hostels or seminar centers of the Armed Forces or cooked in the Armed Forces kitchens.
From biodiversity on military training areas, flowering meadows to the use of renewable energy sources – sustainability is a central value for the Federal Army. Experts in military ecology as well as forestry and agriculture ensure that military use and nature are in harmony. Training strengthens skills in the areas of environmental, nature and climate protection.
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