Last May 20, on the occasion of World Bee Day, the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, in a video published on his official social profile, was filmed on the Roman terrace of the Mesaf headquarters where, in collaboration with the Italian Beekeepers Federation, he had set up a hive composed of three hives. The first urban apiary in Europe to be hosted in an institutional building. The goal of the initiative? Promote the protection of pollinators, “which are a heritage of immense value for the protection of the environment: without bees many of our agricultural productions would not be possible”, he had said on that occasion. Now, the bees of that hive that adorns the roof of number 20 of Via XX Settembre in Rome, have been exterminated, all 50 thousand, by wasps and hornets.
“Two years ago, the Ministry joined the ‘Api in Città’ project, welcoming bees and producing honey: the only honey ever produced by a Ministry of Agriculture. I had the honor of giving it as a gift to the high-ranking Italian and international officials I met, and everyone was amazed to discover that excellent honey could be produced on a roof in the heart of the city,” Lollobrigida recalled this evening in a new post on Instagram.
“It’s true, unfortunately the bees didn’t survive,” he commented, “but the death of bees is a cyclical and natural phenomenon, which can occur for many reasons. We cannot expect a project, even one as valid as this, to be immune to the laws of nature.” What really matters, according to the Minister of Agriculture, “is that ‘Bees in the City’ worked. We brought biodiversity to the heart of Rome, and a bit of pride at an international level. We will continue to participate in the initiative, looking forward, strong in the experience gained, encouraged to do more and better,” he added.
#Lollobrigida #bees #hive #exterminated #Ministry #Agriculture #Tempo
2024-09-11 00:59:33
Barberini family today
Table of Contents
The Significance of Bees in Rome: From Ancient Times to Modern Initiatives
Rome, the Eternal City, has a rich history that spans over two millennia. From its ancient ruins to its modern-day landmarks, Rome is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. One symbol that has been present throughout Rome’s history is the bee, an insect that has been revered for its importance in agriculture, fertility, and productivity.
Ancient Rome and the Symbolism of Bees
In ancient Rome, bees were considered a symbol of fertility and productivity [[2]]. The Romans believed that bees represented souls, and their busy, industrious nature was seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. This symbolism was often depicted in Roman art and literature, with bees featuring prominently in imagery related to fertility and abundance.
The Barberini Bees
One of the most famous examples of bees in Rome is the Fountain of the Bees, built in 1644 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Urban VIII Barberini [[1]]. The fountain, located near the Triton Fountain, features a small bee at its center, symbolizing the Barberini family crest. The Barberini family, a powerful aristocratic dynasty, used the bee as their symbol, reflecting their connection to fertility, productivity, and industry [[3]].
Modern-Day Initiatives: “Bees in the City”
Fast-forward to modern times, and we see that the significance of bees in Rome has not diminished. In 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, launched the “Api in Città” (Bees in the City) project, an urban apiary initiative that aims to promote the protection of pollinators [[article]]. The project, which features a hive on the roof of the Ministry’s headquarters, has produced honey and raised awareness about the importance of bees in urban ecosystems.
Unfortunately, the bees in the “Api in Città” project were recently exterminated by wasps and hornets, highlighting the cyclical and natural nature of bee colonies. However, as Minister Lollobrigida noted, the project has still achieved its goal of promoting biodiversity and raising awareness about the importance of pollinators.
Conclusion
The significance of bees in Rome is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From ancient symbolism to modern-day initiatives, bees have played a crucial role in Rome’s narrative. As we move forward in a world where environmental protection and sustainability are increasingly important, the story of Rome’s bees serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.
Barberini bees
The Significance of Bees in Rome: From Ancient Times to Modern Initiatives
Rome, the Eternal City, has a rich history that spans over two millennia. From its ancient ruins to its modern-day landmarks, Rome is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. One symbol that has been present throughout Rome’s history is the bee, an insect that has been revered for its importance in agriculture, fertility, and productivity.
Ancient Rome and the Symbolism of Bees
In ancient Rome, bees were considered a symbol of fertility and productivity [[2]]. The Romans believed that bees represented souls, and their busy, industrious nature was seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. This symbolism was often depicted in Roman art and literature, with bees featuring prominently in imagery related to fertility and abundance.
The Barberini Bees
One of the most famous examples of bees in Rome is the Fountain of the Bees, built in 1644 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Urban VIII Barberini [[1]]. The fountain, located near the Triton Fountain, features a small bee at its center, symbolizing the Barberini family crest. The Barberini family, a powerful aristocratic dynasty,
