Biodiversity
Biodiversity, short for ‘biological diversity’, refers to the variety and variability of life forms on Earth. It encompasses the full range of species of plants, animals, micro-organisms and ecosystems, as well as the genetic differences within these species.
Biodiversity encompasses not only the diversity of species, but also their interactions and the ecological processes that sustain life on our planet.
Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies. It provides many ecosystem services, such as pollination of crops, clean water, air purification, climate regulation and the provision of food and medicines. Biodiversity also has intrinsic value, contributing to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. However, biodiversity is currently under threat from a range of human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources and climate change, which can lead to species loss and disruption of ecosystems. Conservation efforts are essential to protect and conserve biodiversity for future generations.
Biodiversity and insects have a complex and interconnected relationship that is critical to the health and functioning of ecosystems.
Insects, especially bees, butterflies and flies, play a vital role in pollinating flowering plants. This process is essential for the reproduction of many plant species, including many crops on which humans depend for food. Without insect pollinators, the diversity and abundance of flowering plants would decline, affecting the entire ecosystem.
Beyond pollination, insects provide a range of ecosystem services. For example, they help control pest populations by acting as natural predators or parasites. For example, ladybirds and parasitoid wasps help control aphids and caterpillars, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
The relationship between biodiversity and insects is complex and multifaceted. Not only are insects a fundamental component of biodiversity, they also play a critical role in ecosystem processes, functioning and resilience. The conservation of both insect diversity and
biodiversity as a whole is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring human well-being.
Running a profitable business
The challenge is how to run a profitable business focused on saving biodiversity while promoting the conservation of insects. Indeed, you need to find individuals and companies willing to pay for products or services related to biodiversity conservation and insects. This has resulted in two innovative product ranges: Betterflybox and Betterflyhotel.
BETTERFLYBOX: Empowering biodiversity harmony
This is a journey that champions the delicate balance of biodiversity.
The BetterflyBox is a gateway to delve into the profound meaning of biodiversity balance. This captivating package includes a nesting box, an insect sanctuary, seeds for pollinators, a set of personalised paints to stimulate creativity and a comprehensive biodiversity guide.
Using a seamlessly integrated mobile application, you can now quantify and marvel at the kaleidoscope of plant and animal life
that thrives in your very own biodiversity sanctuary. Welcome to a world where you become the steward of nature’s harmonious
symphony.
In an exciting partnership with GoodPlanet Belgium and BeeOdiversity, Betterfly is embarking on a pioneering journey by launching the BetterflyBox pilot project. This initiative aims to revolutionise biodiversity education in schools and companies through engaging and hands-on workshops, which, in companies, can be part of a team building event.
- Empower schools, companies and local communities
- Quantify our impact on urban biodiversity
- Foster a community of nature enthusiasts
- Raise environmental awareness
BETTERFLYHOTEL Enhance the biodiversity of your space
Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast, a respected institution or simply someone who cares about the environment, it’s time to enhance your outdoor spaces by welcoming the beauty of nature with our carefully crafted insect hotels. These eco-friendly sanctuaries
are proudly made in Belgium and offer a unique opportunity to support local biodiversity. By providing a safe haven for various species, you can play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of your surroundings.
Our BetterflyHotel collection offers a range of thoughtfully designed models tailored to the diverse needs of our insect friends, including solitary bees, graceful butterflies and helpful ladybugs. They all contain the same important package as the BetterflyBox. But our commitment doesn’t end there. With our expertise in this field, we can create bespoke designs that perfectly match your vision or project requirements, for instance by having it painted by an artist. Your imagination is the only limit and together we can make your biodiversity aspirations a reality.
Join us on this extraordinary journey of ecological enrichment. Embrace the BetterflyHotel and let’s work together to cultivate thriving ecosystems, one insect sanctuary at a time. Together we’ll transform your outdoor spaces into vibrant, diverse havens where the beauty of nature knows no bounds. It’s not just an investment in biodiversity, it’s an investment in a more sustainable, greener future.
TECH & DATA FOR BIODIVERSITY: Unlocking nature’s wonders in Europe
Once the biodiversity haven has been installed, it’s time to embrace the wonders of nature through our innovative BetterflyBox application. By simply downloading the app and geolocating your personal ecosystem, you open the door to a world of discovery.
With the BetterflyBox app, you’ll have the power to capture, identify, and document the diverse array of insects, birds, and newly emerging floral species inhabiting your micro-ecosystem.
But that’s not all – our app transforms the journey into a playful adventure. You can become a biodiversity champion right in the heart of your city, while connecting with a vibrant community of fellow nature enthusiasts in your vicinity.
As part of our commitment to ecological well-being, we’ve harnessed the capabilities of the European Copernicus open data hub, utilizing satellite technology to monitor the vitality of life in areas where our biodiversity bubbles thrive. Together with you, we analyze
the positive impact on local biodiversity, contributing to the greater good of our environment.”
Breaking news!
“Today I’m delighted to announce a new creative venture: a comic book and animated video exploring the fascinating world of insects!
This unique concept has been a source of fascination for me for quite some time. Insects, though often underestimated, are truly remarkable creatures and an integral part of our ecosystems.
By telling their stories through a comic strip and an animated video, we hope to shed light on their importance and highlight practical
solutions.
Marina Cartalis
Founder and CEO of Betterfly, Marina is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator. She has a Masters in Public Relations and Communications and is passionate about biodiversity and the lives of our precious insects in our cities.
In December 2022, at the invitation of Princess Astrid of Belgium, Marina Cartalis travelled to Japan to negotiate with various development agencies the organisation of training sessions for members of the FFC by master craftsmen in Japanese Bamboo.
Betterfly was honored to have been nominated for the Trends Impact Awards, competing for the title of “Most Sustainable Company 2023.” Inclusion among the top 12 candidates was a significant recognition of Betterfly’s commitment to sustainability and its impact on the industry.
