World-renowned environmental campaigner Dr Jane Goodall has opened an eponymous bee sanctuary in Dubai’s Expo City.
Named Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Garden, the park was officially launched at Terra, the Expo Sustainability Pavilion which is now home to more than 30,000 of the insects.
The project also marked the launch of the 100 Hives, 100 Schools initiative which aims to install beehives in 100 schools across the UAE, and will teach students about the vital importance of bees.
Jane said, ‘I am deeply moved to see this garden come to life as it embodies the critical connection between humans and the natural world. Bees are our world’s unsung heroes, and we must continue to support and protect them.

‘This garden will play a role in raising awareness of the importance of pollinators amongst the public.’
Globally, bee populations are plummeting due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease.
In recent years, studies have shown that some bee species have declined by as much as 90 per cent, with the UN warning that nearly 40 per cent of pollinators face extinction.
This is alarming, as bees play a vital role in pollinating over 75 per cent of global food crops, from fruits and vegetables to nuts and coffee. Without them, ecosystems will struggle, food supplies will dwindle, and biodiversity could collapse.
The urgency to protect pollinators has never been greater, making initiatives like Jane Goodall’s bee sanctuary a crucial step in reversing this crisis.
Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Project
The pollinator project began in 2019 with the discovery of a small hive of 2,000 UAE-native apis mellifera bees at Terra. With assistance from the Beekeepers Foundation, the insects were nurtured and reintroduced to the garden in October 2024.
The population has now grown to over 30,000 bees across two thriving hives. These play a role in Terra’s pollinator-friendly ecosystem, highlighting the importance of supporting native species and biodiversity.
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City said: ‘Jane Goodall’s Pollinator Garden is a powerful symbol of how we, as stewards of the earth, must all play a part in ensuring a healthy future for our planet.

‘This garden reflects Terra’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainability and biodiversity while raising awareness of the essential role of pollinators, particularly bees, in supporting the balance of our ecosystems. This is in line with Dubai’s leadership in championing conservation and its dedication to safeguarding ecosystems as a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
The eco-space also has native plant species chosen for their symbiotic relationship with pollinators and is a sanctuary to other local wildlife, including butterflies and birds.
‘The garden also underscores the deep partnership between Terra and the global initiative Roots & Shoots UAE and our common mission to empower the next generation to respect, protect and restore the environment,’ said Jane Goodall, who started her environmental work studying chimpanzees in Africa more than 60 years ago.
‘By engaging young minds, we can nurture environmental stewards who will lead the way in creating a more sustainable and harmonious world.’