What is NetworkNature Reads?
#NetworkNatureReads is inspired by #ReadingRainbow and the #NewYorkTimes #ByTheBook series, both of which spread a love of reading by highlighting stand out books and the people who love them. Our goal is to do the same, but with a #naturebasedsolutions flavor. Every month, we will feature one book selected by a NetworkNature member.
We believe that literature widens perspectives and can foster connection with human and environmental communities. Read Wild Geese by Mary Oliver if you aren’t sure what we mean.
This month’s interviewee is Almut Ballstaedt, Junior Expert Communications, Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Europe.
Want to get involved? Contact hello@networknature.eu to suggest a book!
Book
The History of Bees by Maja Lunde (2015)
Tell us about yourself! What role do nature and reading play in your life?
Nature plays a central role in my life, it gives me strength and inspiration. I find peace and balance on walks in nature and particularly enjoy the quiet moments - it helps me to clear my head and develop new perspectives. Reading has a similar effect for me - on the one hand it helps me to switch off, on the other hand it is a source of knowledge and always manages to inspire me - especially books in which nature plays a central role encourage me to think about our responsibility for the earth.
Which book did you pick and why?
I chose 'The Story of the Bees' by Maja Lunde because of its powerful message about the urgency of protecting nature and, in particular, pollinators. The book combines historical, present and future perspectives on the life of bees and highlights the consequences of their disappearance for ecosystems and society. In my work at NBS EduWORLD and Urban Nature Plans+ (UNP+), both of which focus on the conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural systems/ecosystems, the subject of bees strikes me as a powerful metaphor for the challenges we face in protecting biodiversity and integrating nature-based solutions into our daily lives and city infrastructure.
Can you share a specific moment from the book that resonates with you personally? How does it connect to your work with Nature-based Solutions projects?
I particularly remember the discussion of the challenges posed by the disappearance of bees and other pollinators. The novel is a powerful reminder of how fragile our ecosystem is and how our prosperity is linked to the health of nature - a key component of the current EU policy priorities. This aspect of the book reminds me of the work we are doing in UNP+ to make cities greener and more biodiverse. In cities, where nature is increasingly squeezed out, creating green spaces and promoting biodiversity is essential. As in the book, we recognise the importance of protecting and promoting natural systems to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.
In what ways do you see the themes or lessons from the book aligning with the goals of conservation and the challenges we face in combating biodiversity loss today?
The Story of the Bees raises questions about how we as a society treat nature and our responsibility to conserve biodiversity. These issues are directly related to the goals of UNP+ and NBS EduWORLD. While UNP+ pursues concrete measures to green/renature cities and restore nature in urban areas, NBS EduWORLD works to spread knowledge and understanding about the importance of nature-based solutions. Both projects aim to raise awareness of the value of nature and develop solutions that will enable us to halt the loss of biodiversity and live in harmony with natural processes - in the spirit of protecting bees and other pollinators.
If you were recommending this book to a colleague or a friend within the conservation community, what key takeaway or message would you highlight?
I recommend 'The Story of the Bees' because it shows how inextricably linked human history is to nature, and how the loss of pollinators can destabilise our society. It reminds us of the importance of protecting nature for a sustainable future - an issue that plays a central role in NbS projects.