Pollinator decline is a global concern that demands urgent attention. In Amsterdam alone, there are 104 wild bee species that require exclusive care and conservation. While cities are increasingly recognizing their role in preserving biodiversity and preventing pollinator extinction, they often lack the necessary elements to effectively address this issue. Our research aims to develop a prototype city that genuinely supports pollinator diversity through the integration of customized infrastructure, community engagement, and interdisciplinary design. These components have been identified as crucial ingredients for fostering an optimized infrastructure. The collaborative effort involves architects, artists, ecologists, engineers, entomologists, and policymakers to ensure that the proposed solutions are both functional and visually appealing. The resulting innovative designs manifest as social sculptures in public spaces, aiming to educate and raise awareness among local residents about the complexity of the issue. Simultaneously, they encourage people's engagement by extending foraging opportunities for specific pollinators to their balconies and gardens. 

By integrating art and design, these interventions enhance the overall quality of life for city dwellers while supporting biodiversity. Inspired by the principles of circular economy and biomimicry, sustainable materials and practices, including cycling experiments, are incorporated into the designs. To ensure long term maintenance and care, local communities are engaged through participatory events and info-tainment activities, which educate them about the significance of pollinators and the critical role of their involvement in this conservation process. This community driven approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, increasing the likelihood of passionate engagement and long-term continuity. With several prototypes already installed and ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes, the project has moved beyond the feasibility study phase. Continuous monitoring, supported by a peer review group, is crucial for maximizing the impact on pollinator conservation. Tracking the health and population growth of local pollinator species and gathering feedback from both humans and bees allow for refining the approaches. However, there are several key challenges that need to be addressed to establish the prototype city as a nature reserve for pollinators. These challenges include limited space and resources, funding constraints, infrastructure and logistical issues, public perception and education, and regulatory barriers. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for upscale implementation into a citywide, large-scale model that can serve as an international showcase. The ultimate goal is to inspire the replication of similar models worldwide. 

Presenting the prototype city as a case study at the Reinventing the City conference, the project aims to initiate a broader discussion on transforming urban environments to promote biodiversity and sustainability. Together, we can reinvent cities that support the well-being of all inhabitants – including the tiniest but most vital ones. Further information, please visit the website: https://refubees.org and Symposium 'Frontrunner' DeBalie.