The project, backed by LG, aims to repopulate the peninsula by introducing 47 million specimens of Apis mellifera iberiensis. The Iberian bee, commonly known as the Iberian bee, has arrived in the León region of El Bierzo. It began this Wednesday in the municipality of Arganza to support biodiversity studies with a guaranteed chance of success.
In this initiative named Smart Green Bees, the association El Rincón de la Abeja leads the effort, with technical partners including artisanal beekeepers based in Novelda (Alicante) and specialists from various autonomous communities.
The flower load of the region will determine the number of hives
Paola Vecino, president of El Rincón de la Abeja, told EFE that the current flower load will set the number of hives planned for deployment in the area. He explained that, from this point, other bee species in the region will be evaluated and their predators identified, followed by the installation of monitoring systems.
These systems include scales that will help trace the demographic expansion of the bee colonies. In practical terms, data will reveal how each swarm grows and the size of the worker bee population.
Additionally, Farrar’s rule will be applied: as the population rises, the per-bee production is expected to increase, allowing the demographic evolution of each swarm to be mapped and scaled to the rest of the apiary.
The Iberian bee is the only bee that pollinates 100% of species
The goal of the project is to reverse the decline of this native bee and safeguard ecosystems, since it is the species capable of pollinating all native plant species. Vecino highlighted that several factors have contributed to the decline of the Iberian bee and other pollinators, with human activities and pesticide use playing a major role in insect losses and the subsequent impact on other species.
Vecino warned that risks could extend to humans as well, noting that about 70 percent of fruits and vegetables depend on insect-mediated pollination. He added that the current efforts should help mitigate risks from predators such as the Asian hornet Vespa velutina, which threatens this species and other honey bees, particularly in northern Spain.
He stressed that Vespa velutina has taken hold and that native species need time to adapt to its presence. In China, where Vespa velutina originated, other species evolved a defense by surrounding the hornet and raising the temperature to kill it. Vecino noted that Iberian bees are still learning defensive behaviors, but adaptation will unfold over time.
An Iberian bee for every Spaniard
The initiative, which began in 2022, aims to spread Apis mellifera iberiensis across the country with up to 47 million new bees over a two-year window, effectively aiming to place one colony per resident. The plan targets areas deemed most suitable for expanding swarms within a framework of sustainable beekeeping that benefits the broader ecosystem.
In León, artisan beekeeper Beatriz Figueroa from Miel Camino de Santiago —a local producer recognized for sustainable practices— collaborates on the project. She noted that a hive can initially house one to two colonies, totaling around 5,000 to 6,000 bees; this number can climb to roughly 60,000 bees a few months later, with the most rapid growth occurring between spring and summer.
The Iberian bee is distinct in appearance, featuring a darker color, a smaller body than European bees, and a longer tongue. Its pale stripes and somewhat tense temperament are notable traits that set it apart from other races.
Open to new partners in the climate effort
The sustainability director highlighted the initiative’s aim to alleviate climate-related impacts. The project began in Montroy, Valencia, last year, and has since expanded to locations including Tenerife, Málaga, Huelva, and Guadalajara. The program has welcomed participation from other companies, with encouragement for additional organizations to join and collaborate in pursuing common environmental goals.