Dubai Schools Strengthen Food Security with 100 Hives Initiative to Educate on Pollinators
Dubai’s Expo City Terra has launched the 100 Hives initiative, aimed at educating children about the vital role of pollinators in food security and the life lessons inherent in each hive. This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the growing concerns surrounding pollinator populations and their impact on global food systems.
Approximately 20,000 species of bees exist worldwide, yet only seven are known for honey production. The majority serve as essential pollinators, ensuring food availability. Dr. Meriem Hammal, the manager of the Pollinator Programme at Terra Expo City, emphasized that while many associate bees with honey, their primary function is pollination, which accounts for 75-80% of the food consumed by humans. Without these pollinators, survival becomes increasingly challenging.
The initiative kicked off with the installation of the first beehive at Deira International School in Dubai. This school-focused program aims to foster a deeper connection between students and nature through hands-on learning experiences that promote environmental stewardship.
During the launch event on June 26, a partnership agreement was signed by Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, and Mira Al Futtaim, Chief Future Education Officer of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation. This agreement marked the official entry of Deira International School into the 100 Hives initiative.
As part of the program, teachers received training to become professional beekeepers, while students learned about the critical functions of bees and the importance of preserving their populations. Activities included naming the Queen Bee of their hive—chosen as “Beyoncé”—and participating in a beeswax candle-making workshop.
Tiny Insects, Huge Impact
Bees are pivotal to global food production, with pollinators contributing between $235 billion and $577 billion annually. Approximately 35% of global crop production relies on these essential creatures, making them integral to food security. However, pollinators face numerous threats that directly impact food systems.
Dr. Hammal discussed “Colony Collapse Disorder,” first identified in 2015, which has led to declining bee populations due to overuse in agricultural practices. The stress of relocating beehives for cross-pollination has made them susceptible to diseases. Additionally, climate change disrupts the blooming seasons of flowers, further complicating food availability for bees.
The most pressing threats to bee populations include a lack of awareness, genetic pollution, and pesticide use. Dr. Hammal noted that societal fears surrounding bees contribute to the excessive application of pesticides, which can harm both bees and the environment.
The 100 Hives initiative, along with the “Bee Kind” outreach program and the “Dr. Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden,” aims to address these challenges by creating sustainable habitats and preserving local flora and fauna. The program specifically focuses on promoting native bee species to enhance their populations within the local ecosystem.
Learning from Bees
Dr. Hammal believes that bees can impart valuable lessons beyond their ecological significance. As a self-described “accidental beekeeper,” she initially pursued beekeeping training to complement her veterinary studies. Her first encounter with bees was transformative, as she witnessed a seasoned beekeeper interacting with them without fear.
Her mentor’s detailed explanations about bee genetics and the importance of native species sparked her passion for beekeeping. Now, as the manager of the Pollinator Programme, Dr. Hammal aims to inspire curiosity in students through the installation of beehives in schools. She highlights that children can learn teamwork and time management skills through their engagement with bees, which do not wait for anyone.
Students can explore various subjects through the lens of beekeeping, including art, mathematics, and biology. For instance, they can study the precise measurements of honeycomb cells, which are meticulously crafted by bees.
A Learning Experience
Participants in the initiative have gained intriguing insights about bees. Nine-year-old Musa Ibrahim Ahmed noted that male bees, or drones, do not perform work within the hive. He found it fascinating that while they possess wings, they are not permitted to fly freely inside the hive.
Saira Ali, a primary school teacher at Deira International School who underwent training as a professional beekeeper, observed that students were captivated by the distinct roles of bees. She explained that the female bees handle most of the hive’s responsibilities, which intrigued the children.
Ali also highlighted the cooperative behaviors of bees, such as festooning, where they link their legs to measure and construct their hives. This instinctive teamwork among bees serves as a powerful lesson for humans about collaboration and harmony.
How UAE Schools Can Participate in the 100 Hives Initiative
Schools interested in joining the 100 Hives initiative can reach out via email at education@expocitydubai.ae. The program is open to educational institutions looking to introduce beehives on campus and incorporate biodiversity, pollinator conservation, and environmental stewardship into their curricula.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-06-26 15:28:00 • By the Editorial Desk
