Apiculture

The aim of the Apiculture project is to raise awareness amongst students and staff on campus about beekeeping and its significance in the context of the current environmental crisis. Beekeeping practices also provide an opportunity to explore the fascinating biology of bees and their various collective behaviours. To this end, the project has had its own apiary—consisting of about five hives—located on the Bassenges farm since early 2017, providing an opportunity to learn about beekeeping and produce honey when the bees are ready. In addition, we periodically offer theoretical beekeeping courses and organize awareness-raising events on campus (lectures, film screenings, etc.).

The project began in 2012 with the goal of practicing beekeeping on campus, specifically to learn basic beekeeping techniques and gain a better understanding of how bees function. It turns out that hives set up in recent years in urban environments are thriving, so why not here?! We also aim to manage our colonies in a way that is as respectful as possible of the environment and the bees, while leaving these management decisions open to the members of the Apiculture project through discussions and exchanges on these important topics.

A recognised beekeeper, Jean Philippe Thiran, helps us navigate our way around beekeeping.

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