According to statistics, 358 bee species live in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, more than half of them are already endangered and put on the Dutch Red List (RL). The Netherlands' officials recognized the problem with declining bee population and found an ingenious solution - to transform the city of Utrecht's bus stops into bee-friendly havens to support pollinating populations.
More info: Provincie Utrecht
The city of Utrecht now has 316 bus stops with rooftops covered in greenery
Image credits: uitdragerij
Recently, the Utrecht council saw an opportunity to expand the functions of a regular bus stop by giving them a new wholesome purpose: To tackle the growing endangerment of honey bees. Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, located in the central part of the country.
The new lush rooftops will encourage pollination by honeybees and bumblebees
Image credits: evagladness
Not only do newly revamped bus stops look cozier, but the flowering plants also support the city's dwindling ecosystems, such as honeybees and bumblebees. The green rooftops filled with flowers for bees also help to capture fine dust and store rainwater.
"A green roof is good for a healthy and livable city"
Image credits: Jolanda van Ginkel
"A green roof is good for a healthy and livable green city … that can, therefore, cope better with climate problems. It helps to prevent flooding and ensures that we suffer less from heat," reads the official website of the city of Utrecht. The officials are planning to install solar panels atop the bus stops in the next few years as well.
However, it's not the only environmentally-conscious initiative of the city of Utrecht
Image credits: uitdragerij
Back in February, Utrecht announced that they will be replacing their current buses with electric ones. The officials are hoping to employ an entirely carbon-neutral transit fleet before 2028.
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