Biodiversity
Winners and losers in the animal kingdom
A third of all animal and plant species in Switzerland are endangered. Three examples of animals whose habitats are disappearing, according to the WWF. But also three unexpected success stories.
Protection des insectes
The power of bees
Without insects, we wouldn't have many fruits or other foods, so it's hardly surprising that we are concerned about biodiversity and protecting bees.
More than 80% of all plants - whether trees, flowers or crop plants - rely on pollination by insects, which makes these tireless crawling and flying creatures essential to us humans. Without insects, we wouldn't have many fruits or other foods, and farmers would have to pollinate many plants themselves, because bees and other pollinating insects give us a wide variety of foods. Without bees, we also wouldn't have flowering meadows or honey.
Regional honey
Bee-keeper Albert Stirnimann from Lucerne shares exciting details of his everyday life with several thousand bees.
What we do
Some of our Migros cooperatives operate their own beehives with local colonies on the flat roofs of their stores. Migros staff often harvest the honey themselves. What's more, we are doing away with substances that are potentially harmful to bees, and turning our sites into natural green areas.
Bees need protecting. Bee-keepers play a major role in this. However, although bee-keeping is merely a hobby for many people, it takes expertise to look after bees. For this reason, the Migros Pioneer Fund is setting up a training course for would-be bee-keepers, culminating in a federal certificate of aptitude.
Even so, bee-keepers aren't the only ones who can benefit from extensive expertise on bee health. The website of the Migros Pioneer Fund contains practical tips for anyone who would like to do something to support the habitats of honey bees and wild bees. Whether you're a hobby gardener or a bee-keeper, a farmer or a forester, whether you work for a construction company or at a parks department, we have important tips for experts and laypeople alike here on how to create a bee-friendly environment.
Using bees
Caring for insects is not just about animal welfare. The global economic benefits of pollination are worth approximately one billion US dollars; the equivalent of 1% of global economic power. Pollination by honey bees and wild bees provides direct economic value of CHF 205-479 million a year for Switzerland alone.
More for Switzerland
Discover exciting stories about all aspects of Migros, our commitment and the people behind it. We also provide practical advice for everyday life.
All Stories
Sustainability
Underestimated climate protectors
Discover what wetlands can do, why they are endangered and how we can protect them.
Livestock farming in the Alpine region
Why do cows spend time on the alp?
For many animals, the alpine summer has begun. But why do they go up to the heights at all? And why is it even good for the environment? We have the answers.
Biodiversity
She produces honey on the Migros roof
Mirjam Lendenmann works in Guggi, the Migros employee restaurant in Zurich. She indulges in her beekeeping hobby on the roof. A visit.
Des espaces proches de la nature
Biodiversity? More than a variety of species
Natural areas for more biodiversity: we are committed to tangible environmental protection on site – whether on our buildings, company premises or golf courses.
Visit to the Demeter farm
About happy chickens and healthy soil
In Klettgau, Anno and Margrith Lutke Schipholt manage their farm according to Demeter guidelines. What do Demeter farmers do that conventional farmers don’t? A visit to northern Switzerland.
Jowa pioneering project
How to grow cereals without using pesticides
Jowa advocates completely pesticide-free cereal cultivation.
Climate & energy
How our biscuits warm living rooms
Meilen heats houses, apartment blocks and offices using waste heat from the local Migros factory.
Sustainable products
How green is your Christmas tree?
We find out how eco-friendly Christmas trees are. Our findings are surprisingly positive.
Climate & energy
What is the climate contribution used for?
You can make a contribution to climate protection at Migros Online and in pilot stores. What is it used for?
Sustainability
Weeding by robots
Fewer pesticides in agriculture? We present five pioneering methods.