Nature and Tech: A not so sticky situation

World Bee Day

Many of you might know me as the CEO of Blue Bean Software, but my mind has been buzzing in the background, finding a way to mix my two passions, technology and beekeeping. With this drive, I created a solution that satisfies the techy and bee conservationist in me. 

Ever since I was a young boy, growing up in the pumpkin fields of Zimbabwe, I’ve had a deep fascination with bees and what mysteries their hives hold. Most people’s interest with bees starts and ends with honey, but there is so much more to explore, so much more to learn. 

May 20 is World Bee Day and I’d like to share my passion for urban beekeeping and how technology can help keep these instrumental creatures happy and buzzing. 

How we got into buzziness

When we asked ourselves what we can do to make the lives of beekeepers easier, we identified that being able to instantly connect with your beehives from wherever you are, check on the conditions within that beehive, and be alerted when someone tampers with your beehive, were the key quality of life improvements that every beekeeping product should deliver.

In collaboration with Blue Bean Software, we’ve created our very own beehive monitoring device, capable of monitoring, analysing and giving real-time data to allow you to be in more control of your hive. With this level of supervision, we’re hoping to empower everyday citizens to do their part in keeping these essential insects alive and well. 

Through a combination of the Internet of Things (IoT), reliable connectivity options for both rural and urban environments, and a suite of online services to complement our solution, we have developed a beehive monitoring solution because we understand that beekeeping should be easy.

We’ve all heard the scary statistics of what would happen if the bees died out, but on World Bee Day, I thought I’d share a few sweeter facts. 

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Bees thrive in urban environments 

Urban beehives have been shown to more productive and healthier. This is caused by a more diverse ecosystem compared to their more rural environment. Traditional rural beehives have less access to a diversity of plants and often get exposed to more pesticides and other threats. So, your backyard could bee perfect. 😜

How they can turn the local community into the land of milk and honey

As bee numbers have dwindled, they have become a commodity. Bees and other animal pollinators contribute to 35% of global food production, making bees essential for agriculture and plant life. While urban beekeeping might not produce as many bees as commercial endeavours, it does help support areas that are most affected by diminishing bee populations.

It’s easier than ever to get started 

Everything you need to do your part is a few clicks away. Our bee monitoring tech will allow every beekeeper to be informed and make data-driven decisions that will impact the earth for generations to come. 

To learn more about the magic of urban beehives and to learn how your hive works visit:  www.hivepulse.co.za

Join the hive on social: Facebook  | Twitter 

Keep buzzing, 🐝

Albert.

About the Author

Father, backyard bee keeper, avid gardener, Founder and Medicine man at Blue Bean Software.