Bee-Aware Italy Campaign
In the picturesque coastal town of Giardini Naxos, nestled on the beautiful island of Sicily, a recent event organized by Bee-Aware partner, Idee in Movimento, has created quite a buzz. This Shop Be Aware Italy campaign, held on July 21, 2023, was a part of the larger BEE-AWARE Erasmus+ project. The initiative aimed to shed light on the vital role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. Through the distribution of informative posters, the campaign successfully engaged the local community and businesses, effectively conveying the message of environmental awareness and conservation.
The Campaign
At its core, the Shop Bee Aware Italy campaign sought to educate the public about the indispensable role that bees play in producing a wide range of products we use in our daily lives. The campaign utilized informative posters, which featured concise explanations about the significance of bees for specific products. Each flyer prominently displayed the logos of the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union, the “BEE AWARE” project, and the involved partners. Moreover, a QR code was embedded in the posters, providing access to the project’s website for further information and resources.
Participating Outlets
Macelleria Ragaglia, a local butchery, showcased how bees contribute to the growth of animal feed, ultimately supporting the production of high-quality meat products.
Naxos Frutta, a local fruit and vegetable shop, played a significant role in the campaign by demonstrating the impact of bees on pollinating various crops, ensuring an abundant supply of fresh, nutritious produce.
GIBI Market, a local minimarket, highlighted the importance of bees in various products on the shelves, including honey, coffee, meat and other various food items. Here the campagin also fostered an understanding of the interdependence of these products.
Profumeria Le Follie, a local perfume and cosmetic shop, was actively involved in raising awareness about bees’ role in cosmetic ingredients and the importance of sustainable sourcing.
Community Collaboration
The success of the Shop Bee Aware campaign was made possible through the collaboration with local businesses in Giardini Naxos. The campaign strategy was meticulously defined during brainstorming sessions within Idee in Movimento, with a specific focus on distributing the flyers in local businesses rather than large multinational corporations. This choice was based on an understanding of the unique needs of a community still deeply connected to local manufacturers.
The local businesses — Macelleria Ragaglia, Naxos Frutta, GIBI Market, and Profumeria Le Follie — wholeheartedly supported the cause and proudly displayed the informative flyers in their shops. Their enthusiastic participation played a pivotal role in spreading awareness about the importance of bees and pollinators to a broad audience within a community that values local distribution.
Similar Campaigns across borders
Similar shop awareness campaign were also held in Malta at leading chain Welbee’s supermarket and also in Greece at 4 Seasons Organic Food Market, a well known organic supermarket in the center of Athens.
Check out our article about how many different food categories would be negatively affected by the continued decline in pollinators’ populations.
