The Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čavle has taken a significant step towards active environmental protection and strengthening local biodiversity by joining the commendable initiative "Become a Hero of Nature". With this move, Čavle stands out as a community that recognizes the crucial role of nature in the quality of life and sustainable tourism development, placing special emphasis on the preservation of bee colonies.

The crucial role of bees in the ecosystem

Bees are much more than valuable honey producers; they are the fundamental pillars of our ecosystems. Their role as pollinators is irreplaceable for the survival of numerous plant species, including those that form the basis of our diet. It is estimated that more than a third of global food production, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs, directly depends on pollination carried out by bees and other insects. Without their tireless activity, store shelves would be significantly poorer, and the stability of natural habitats seriously threatened.

Unfortunately, bee populations worldwide, including in Croatia, are facing serious threats. Loss of natural habitats due to urbanization and intensive agriculture, widespread use of pesticides, climate change disrupting plant flowering, and the spread of diseases and pests like the varroa mite, are dramatically reducing the numbers of these vital insects. Therefore, initiatives like this one in Čavle are of crucial importance for their protection and the preservation of natural balance.

Project "Become a Hero of Nature": A concrete contribution to sustainability

The "Become a Hero of Nature" initiative was designed with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of bees and encouraging concrete actions for their protection. By setting up beehives in cooperation with local beekeepers, the project enables companies, institutions, and communities to directly contribute to the conservation of bee populations and support local beekeeping. This is not just an ecological project, but also a platform for promoting sustainable development and responsible business. By joining the project, participants become active guardians of nature and part of a wider network working to strengthen one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

Cooperation with experienced beekeepers: OPG Api Raponja

For the expert care of the new bee colony, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čavle has established cooperation with the family farm Api Raponja from Krnica in Istria. This family agricultural entity, led by the young and enthusiastic beekeeper Filip Raponja, who has been involved in beekeeping since his early youth, is known for its commitment to natural beekeeping and the production of high-quality honey. OPG Api Raponja practices migratory beekeeping, moving its hives throughout ecologically clean areas of Croatia so that the bees can collect nectar from diverse honey-bearing plants. Their experience and dedication guarantee that the bees in the new hive will have optimal conditions for development and health.

A new hive in the heart of nature

As part of the project, a new hive was set up, becoming home to an impressive community of approximately 50,000 bees. Located in a natural environment in the area of the Municipality of Čavle, this hive represents a small but powerful center of biodiversity. Scientists estimate that one bee can visit and pollinate up to 1,500 flowers during a day. A simple calculation leads to an astonishing figure – the entire hive with 50,000 individuals can potentially pollinate up to 50 million flowers every day! This incredible contribution directly impacts the preservation of local flora, encourages plant fruiting, and strengthens the entire ecosystem.

More than honey: Branded local product and ecological report

The partnership with OPG Api Raponja ensures continuous care for the health and vitality of the bee colony. As a result of this cooperation, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čavle will receive certain quantities of premium honey, specifically acacia and linden honey. These types of honey are known for their beneficial properties and pleasant aromas; acacia honey is light and mild, ideal for sweetening, while linden honey is more aromatic and valued for its calming properties.

The special value of this project lies in the fact that the honey will be packaged in jars with the recognizable logo of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čavle. Thus, the honey becomes not only a tasty and healthy product but also an authentic souvenir and promoter of the destination Čavle and its commitment to nature conservation. Along with the honey, the Čavle Tourist Board also receives an official certificate confirming their contribution to the "Become a Hero of Nature" project. At the end of each year, OPG Api Raponja will prepare a detailed report containing data on the amount of honey produced, the estimated number of pollinated flowers, and other measurable ecological effects of this initiative.

Sustainable tourism as a strategic direction

Joining the bee conservation project fits perfectly into the strategy for the development of sustainable tourism in the Municipality of Čavle. At a time when more and more travelers are looking for destinations that offer authentic experiences and care for the environment, such initiatives position Čavle as a responsible and ecologically aware destination. The project not only contributes to nature protection but also creates educational potential, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of bees and local honey production. This is an example of how ecological responsibility can be integrated into the tourist offer, enriching the visitor experience and strengthening the local community. Those interested in visiting this region can explore the diverse accommodation options in Čavle.

This project represents a significant contribution to global efforts for preserving biodiversity and strengthening ecosystems that are crucial for life on Earth. The Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čavle hereby shows that even local initiatives can have a real and positive impact on the environment and serve as an inspiration to others.