Who We Are: The B & B pollinator highway is steered by FoodFaith, social and environmental not-for-profit founded by Judy Friedlander from The Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.
Our Project: The 'B' in 'B & B highway' stands for Bed & Breakfasts & Biodiversity - for birds, bees and butterflies threatened by urbanisation. Our project is building passageways or highways for pollinators to link 'B & Bs' or 'pollen booths' for rest and revival. Pollination is vital for biodiversity and food production. The B & Bs are located at community centres and places of worship from a range of different faiths throughout Sydney. With eight centres already funded, each B & B features a special variety of pollinating plants selected by horticulturists as well as an insect hotel or native beehive. Our B & B initiative also nurtures communities as well as the environment by encouraging different community and faith members to share knowledge - along with seeds and, of course, honey!
Why It Matters: Birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators in our cities are in rapid decline as we become more urbanised. By 2050, 90% of us will live in cities, which are located in our prime bushland. The native bee needs food and shelter every 500 metres - and that's hard to find in our city. One out of every three 'bites' of food relies on pollinators.
When we lose pollinators, we threaten our food supply; our ecosystems and environment can collapse.
Children should be able to experience nature as every generation beforehand has. Birds, butterflies and bees should be part of everyone's life. Our B & B initiative will be part of ensuring this future.
How You Can Help: Pollinators need your help to 'connect the dots' to make pathways around Sydney. We are already creating some key B & Bs in parts of Sydney - but there are many other areas that need pollinator gardens and rest-stops for birds, bees and butterflies. By donating - any contribution is valued - you are helping to create new gardens and hives and stop the rapid decline of birds, bees and butterflies in Sydney to, we hope, make Sydney greener and more nurturing! We have amazing rewards that you will love. Check out some of them here:
