SPADES Featured on NetworkNature Reads: The History of Bees
What is NetworkNature Reads?
#NetworkNatureReads is inspired by #ReadingRainbow and the #NewYorkTimes #ByTheBook series, both of which spread a love of reading by highlighting stand out books and the people who love them. Our goal is to do the same, but with a #naturebasedsolutions flavor. Every month, we will feature one book selected by a NetworkNature member.
We believe that literature widens perspectives and can foster connection with human and environmental communities. Read Wild Geese by Mary Oliver if you aren’t sure what we mean.
This month’s interviewee is Almut Ballstaedt, Junior Expert Communications, Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Europe.
Want to get involved? Contact hello [at] networknature [dot] eu to suggest a book!
Book
The History of Bees by Maja Lunde (2015)
Tell us about yourself! What role do nature and reading play in your life?
Nature plays a central role in my life, it gives me strength and inspiration. I find peace and balance on walks in nature and particularly enjoy the quiet moments - it helps me to clear my head and develop new perspectives. Reading has a similar effect for me - on the one hand it helps me to switch off, on the other hand it is a source of knowledge and always manages to inspire me - especially books in which nature plays a central role encourage me to think about our responsibility for the earth.
Which book did you choose and why?
I chose The History of Bees by Maja Lunde because of its powerful message about the urgency of protecting nature and, in particular, pollinators. The book combines historical, present and future perspectives on the life of bees and highlights the consequences of their disappearance for ecosystems and society. In my work at SPADES, NBS EduWORLD and UNP+, we focus on the conservation, preservation and restoration of natural systems. The story of bees is a compelling metaphor for the challenges we face in integrating biodiversity into spatial planning and urban development. In particular, SPADES emphasises soil health as the foundation for thriving ecosystems, including the underground habitats where many wild bee species nest.
Can you share a specific moment from the book that resonates with you personally? How does it connect to your work with Nature-based Solutions projects?
I particularly remember the discussion of the challenges posed by the disappearance of bees and other pollinators. The novel is a powerful reminder of how fragile our ecosystem is and how our prosperity is linked to the health of nature - a key component of the current EU policy priorities. This aspect of the book reminds me of the work we are doing in SPADES to integrate soil-conscious planning into spatial design to ensure that spatial planning supports biodiversity. Similarly, NBS EduWORLD and UNP+ emphasise the role of urban nature in supporting pollinators and other key species. In cities where nature is increasingly squeezed out, creating green spaces and maintaining healthy soils is essential for long-term resilience and sustainability.
In what ways do you see the themes or lessons of the book as relevant to conservation goals and the challenges we face in combating biodiversity loss today?
The Story of Bees raises questions about how we as a society treat nature and our responsibility to conserve biodiversity. These questions are directly related to the objectives of SPADES, NBS EduWORLD and UNP+. While SPADES works to ensure that soil health is integrated into spatial planning in different land use contexts, NBS EduWORLD focuses on disseminating knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of nature-based solutions. UNP+ plays a key role in the implementation of biodiversity-driven urban planning strategies. By addressing soil health, green infrastructure and ecosystem resilience together, these projects contribute to sustainable spatial development that protects pollinators and other key species.
If you were recommending this book to a colleague or a friend within the conservation community, what key takeaway or message would you highlight?
I recommend 'The Story of the Bees' because it shows how inextricably linked human history is to nature, and how the loss of pollinators can destabilise our society. It reminds us of the importance of protecting nature for a sustainable future - an issue that plays a central role in NbS projects.
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