We take responsibility and get down to work!

Board

Yvonne Isaac-Kesseli
Strategic advice

Education and Profession:

· M.A. University of Zurich
· eCF Valuation (Swiss Banking Institute, University of Zurich)
· Executive Diploma in Advanced Sustainability (HSG)
· Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy (Harvard online)
· Certificate Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
· Partner in a Consultancy Firm
· Publication activities on the topic of Sustainability
My father was an agriculturist and I was privileged to recognize the close connection between the ecosystem services provided by our precious pollinators and the magnificent diversity of food we all benefit from. The unprecedented global loss of biodiversity saddens me deeply.

After graduating from University of Zurich in 2007, I joined the Strategy & Transformation Team of a Global Management Consulting Company, working on various international transformation projects in different sectors. In 2011, I joined a smaller Consultancy Firm where I since mainly work in the areas of succession planning, company valuation, business strategy and sustainability.

Animal welfare has been close to my heart ever since I was a child, including the issues of intensive factory farming. Who would have thought that intensive mass farming is a sad reality for too many honeybees as well?

E-Mail yvonne.isaackesseli@freethebees.ch

Thomas Fabian
Finances

Thomas Fabian studied business economics at Münster University (in Germany) graduating in the subjects of environmental economics and management.
Today he is the IT project manager of a technology start-up company. His tasks include the implementation and supervision of business intelligence applications.

Thomas Fabian originally started hobby beekeeping in the conventional way; it did not take him long, though, to realise that prioritising honey yield against bee welfare was a grave offence against nature, and thus sure to backfire.

Telefon +41 78 837 84 06
E-Mail thomas.fabian@freethebees.ch

Prof. Alex Aebi
Scientific council

Alex Aebi installed his first hives more than 20 years ago. As a full professor at the Ins-titutes of Biology and Ethnology of the University of Neuchâtel, his research activities are focused on the bee, which has become an increasingly important part of his life. From an eco-toxicological point of view, he documents the effect of pesticides on this insect. Finally, he uses his tools as an applied entomologist to explore different facets of the life of this fascinating insect. With the tools of social science, he is interested in the engagement of scientists and beekeepers in societal and environmental issues.

Hans Studerus
Vice President

Hans Studerus was already catching swarms of bees at the parental farm during his primary education. Then followed the care of bees until the age of 21, interrupted by a break due to the teaching of music and professional studies (10 years). Finally, conventional beekeeping until retirement (30 years). In search of an attitude more in line with the needs of bees and their care, he came across the book “Beekeeping for All” 12th edition 1948 by Emile Warré, French priest and later professional beekeeper, 1867-1951. Reconversion to this mode of operation for several years.

It is particularly important for Hans Studerus to keep bees as naturally as possible in terms of feeding, spreading and habitation. He is also a founding member of FREETHEBEES

Telefon +41 76 504 43 63
E-Mail studerushans@gmail.com

André Dunand
President

I was born into a farming family in Vaulruz, a small village in canton de Fribourg, on 28 March 1957.

These days I live in Fribourg with my wife, Christiane. We have one son, and we are the happy grandparents of two gorgeous granddaughters.

After earning a primary school teaching diploma I went on to study orthopaedagogy at Freiburg university. I then created, and for 30 years headed, a work-station for adults with disabilities in the vicinity of Freiburg.

Since 2004 I have been directing the “Salons du mieux-vivre” (for better living) in both Freiburg and Saignelégier; these bi-annual events are held in March and in November, dealing with various topics such as personal development, natural medicines etc. and attracting one hundred exhibitors, ninety conferences and five thousand visitors. In March 2020 we have added on-line conferences, and L’eShop du bien-être as a new platform.

I have also since 2009 been president of FOPIS, the federation of the associations of employees of my canton’s social institutions, with 2,500 members.

In May 2016, I co-created the ‘Nature Sciences Santé Editions Sàrl’ which publishes a magazine of the same title as well as a weekly newsletter.

After retiring on 1 April 2020, I am now at last able to dedicate (part of) my time to my passion : the protection of and respect for Nature. It is, of course, a wide subject, which is why I have narrowed my commitment to the bees and their needs. I first discovered FREETHEBEES (FTB) and then did a course with André Wermelinger. I own a house in Fribourg as well as some fields and wood at my birthplace, Vaulruz, where I have installed two Schiffer tree hives and created wildflower meadows nearby.

I have joined the FTB group of French-speaking Switzerland, taking an active part in organisational matters, since that is where I feel most at ease. From autumn of 2020, I am a representative of my group to the all-Swiss FTB board/committee.

As I see it, FTB should also approach the general public with a view

• to raise public awareness, and
• to create a strong sympathy movement seeking to induce the practitioners of traditional beekeeping to switch to more bee-friendly methods.
• in the same approach I also suggest that we offer hive sponsorships using the Swisstree merchandise.

I am looking forward to devote myself to FREETHEBEES and the wild bees.

Telefon +41 79 366 38 84
E-Mail andre.dunand@freethebees.ch