Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall on Monday opened a bee sanctuary named after her in the heart of Expo City Dubai, providing a haven to more than 30,000 of the insects.
Called Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Garden, the park was officially launched at Terra, the Expo Sustainability Pavilion.
“The story behind the Terra bees is very special,” Ms Goodall, 90, told The National. “A whole hive was rescued and set up with a new home on-site. Their garden is being named the Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Garden, after me.”
The primate expert said it was an honour to have a bee garden given her name. A small hive of about 2,000 bees was found in Terra in 2019 when the pavilion was under construction for Expo 2020 Dubai.
The bees were removed, nurtured with support from the Beekeepers Foundation and then, last October, reintroduced to a garden in Terra.
This has now grown to two thriving hives each housing more than 15,000 UAE-native Apis mellifera bees − the western honey bee.
The garden is a central theme in Terra’s aim to inspire the community and show through action how native species can be preserved and biodiversity nurtured. It will also serve as an important example of pollination in the ecosystem.
Ms Goodall said “climate change along with loss of biodiversity” was the single biggest threat to the environment.
“But really we have to tackle all the threats, as they are interrelated – and there are enough people who care about different issues that we can actually address all issues at the same time,” she said. “First, people need to be educated, they need to understand the problems, and what they can do to help solve them.”
Why bees?
She said she was “deeply moved to see this garden come to life as it embodies the critical connection between humans and the natural world”.
Describing bees as “unsung heroes” she said we must continue to protect them and the garden would help raise awareness among the public about the importance of pollinators.
The UN messenger for peace and world-renowned conservationist is famous for her studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe National Park in Tanzania.
This groundbreaking research that began in 1960 continues today and is the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world. It is widely held to have helped change people’s understanding of their relation to the natural world and to other primates.
100 bee hives, 100 schools
A programme to install hives in 100 schools across the UAE was also announced.
This will provide pupils on-the-ground learning experiences by teaching them to maintain, care for the hives and connect with nature, said officials.
Ms Goodall’s Roots and Shoots initiative will support this effort and intends to engage young minds to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
Ms Goodall started the Roots and Shoots programme at Terra in Expo City Dubai last year to help the young better understand and address environmental challenges.
She told The National about the need to launch the programme around the world. “It gives children hope, helps them understand they matter and make a difference and they influence their parents,” she added. “If we all lose hope we sink into apathy and do nothing, then we are doomed.”
Roots and Shoots is active in about 65 countries.
Hands-on experience
The new garden will not only teach students about the ecological value of bees but they will learn environmental responsibility due to their direct involvement in conservation.
“Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Garden is a powerful symbol of how we, as stewards of the earth, must all play a part in ensuring a healthy future for our planet,” said Marjan Faraidooni, chief of education and culture at Expo City Dubai. “This garden reflects Terra's ongoing commitment to fostering sustainability and biodiversity while raising awareness of the essential role of pollinators, particularly bees, in supporting the balance of our ecosystems.”
She said it was in line with Dubai’s leadership focus of championing conservation and safeguard ecosystems.
The garden is built into Terra’s aim to preserve local flora and fauna and prove by example that this is possible in an urban space.
It will serve as a teaching example to show children how nature should be protected and restored and the local wildlife protected.
Ms Goodall said she has several things named after her − including orchid species − but it was “an honour” to have a bee garden in her name.
Donning protective gear to enter the sunlit green area, Ms Goodall said it was also her first time so close to a hive, as she named a queen bee Gaia. The garden can be viewed by visitors from behind a glass wall inside the Terra pavilion.
Meet Jane Goodall
Terra will host programmes Pollinate Change, Inspire Tomorrow with Ms Goodall over three days.
An awards ceremony to highlight the efforts of young people creating change in their community, a session with schools and a live question and answer session.
The hour-long Q&A on January 28 begins at 6pm at the Connect Conference Centre (C3), Expo City Dubai.
There will be an opportunity to ask Ms Goodall questions in person and she will share her message about how the young can lead the charge for a green tomorrow. Those interested must register in advance on the Terra Expo City Dubai website and purchase a Terra ticket to enter.
