Beekeepers call for more urban sites

BERLIN, June 20 (UPI) -- Those opposed in beehives inside city limits should be warned of a new campaign in Germany toward urban beekeeping, beekeepers say.

Emil Wiedenhaft, a 71-year-old beekeeper in Berlin, says he hopes to continue being a "role model" to younger beekeepers interested in bringing the traditionally rural activity into more populated areas, Der Spiegel said Friday.

"I've trained six beekeepers in the eight years I've been living here," he said. "A young beekeeper needs a role model."

The urban movement comes as Germany is facing a significant shortage of bees due to a declining interest in beekeeping in the country.

The chairman of Berlin's beekeepers' association told Der Spiegel that cities are equipped to serve as perfect locations for beehives and their keepers.

"Cities are ideally suited for bees," chairman Jurgen Hans told the German publication.

"The animals develop marvelously in the city because it's warmer there than in the countryside," he added.