Prague 8’s Successful Insect Hotel Project: Promoting Biodiversity and Engaging the Community

Prague 8, a district in the Czech capital, has implemented an innovative project aimed at enhancing the local ecosystem by installing 18 insect hotels. These wooden shelters provide a safe haven for beetles and other insects, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the area. The project was initiated by the Prague 8 environmental department in 2016 and has since gained traction among school children and the wider community.

Martin Šálek, spokesperson for Prague 8, expressed satisfaction with the project’s success and confirmed that the environmental department plans to continue its efforts. The strategically placed insect hotels can be found across various locations in the district, including Ládví, Thomayerových Sadech, and Troji. Over the course of seven years, the project has gained popularity among school children and attracted the attention of the general public.

Collaborating with the environmental department and several primary schools, the project has engaged children from the outset, generating enthusiasm and interest. The enduring success of the initiative has underscored the importance of its continuation, as highlighted by Šálek.

To ensure optimal impact, the 18 insect hotels were strategically placed in parks and near primary and nursery schools. Locations such as Thomayerových Sadech, U Pentlovky Street behind the Mazurská primary school, Žernosecká park near the playground by Ďáblické Jezírko, as well as the vicinity of the Kobyliská shooting range, Čimický pond, and Glowackého primary school playground were carefully selected. Additionally, the district council installed new birdhouses alongside the insect hotels, further enhancing the ecological environment.

The presence of these insect hotels has had a positive impact on the local ecosystem. Made from diverse materials, these shelters accommodate various types of insects. Once inhabited, the insects contribute to the pollination of surrounding vegetation, thereby providing a vital ecological service. The insect hotels have not only been appreciated by insects but have also captured the interest of the wider public, fostering awareness and appreciation for biodiversity conservation.

Unfortunately, two insect hotels were subjected to vandalism shortly after the project’s initiation in 2016. Nonetheless, the district council remains resolute, persisting in the installation and maintenance of these insect hotels. Although there is a risk of occasional destruction during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the council’s unwavering commitment ensures the project’s continuity, as it plays a crucial role in their overall environmental strategy.

The insect hotel project in Prague 8 has demonstrated its effectiveness in engaging school children and the broader community. These shelters have become invaluable assets, serving a vital ecological function and providing refuge for various insect species. Despite the challenges posed by occasional vandalism, the district council’s unwavering dedication guarantees the sustainability and expansion of this essential initiative.

Article by Prague Forum