Fire brigade youth starts bee pasture project for more environmental protection!

Fire brigade youth starts bee pasture project for more environmental protection!

The fire department youth week 2025, which takes place from April 14th to 20th, is in the sign of environmental protection. This initiative is organized by the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV), Beewild and Jane Goodall Institute Austria (JGI). The motto "We protect what counts: man and nature" reflects the goal of strengthening the commitment of the fire brigades for the preservation of nature and the environment in order to prevent natural disasters. In view of the current challenges through climate change, this project is becoming increasingly important.

In Austria, around 4,448 volunteer fire departments are active, which together combine around 38,000 members in the fire brigade youth and children's fire brigade. Each member receives a seed parcel for 2 square meters of bee pasture. This adds up to a total of over 70,000 square meters of bee pasture, which are to be created during the project week. These areas are not only a contribution to biodiversity, they also promote soil life and improve water infiltration.

diverse species protection activities

The fire brigade youth groups have the opportunity to choose from five different species protection activities. These range from the construction of nesting aids from natural materials to the construction of rock castles for insects to bee drinks and the use of dead wood as a shelter. In addition, the groups can visit a beekeeper to deal directly with the topic of beekeeping and its importance for the ecosystem. Experts from Beewild and the JGI support the groups with an action manual and an explanatory video.

A special highlight of the fire brigade youth week is an online quiz that serves as an introduction to the topics of biodiversity and environmental protection. In addition, the young people are expected to create videos of their activities and share them on social media in order to reach a broader public. The hashtags #beewild, #seidabei, #feuerwehr youth and #naturschutzistcool have been determined.

competition and honors

In order to motivate the projects, the state winner and federal winner (1st to the 3.th place) are chosen as part of the fire brigade youth week. Prize money is awarded by a specialist jury. The winners will be announced on August 23, 2025 in Weiz. This double award ceremony includes an obstacle course and the honor of the best projects. Personalities on site, such as Mayor Ingo Reisinger, support this initiative and emphasize the relevance of environmental protection in youth.

The fire brigade youth week 2025 is not only a moment of active participation, but also an opportunity to sharpen the awareness of young people for environmental issues and to include them in the decisions for a sustainable future. At a time when natural disasters are becoming increasingly common, it is crucial to sensitize the next generation to protect our planet.

For more information about the activities of the fire brigade youth and their commitment to nature conservation, the reports can be made on Fireworld or Federal Fire Brigade Association . Interested parties can find the context of the initiative at linguee .