World Bee Day: Why Bees Matter

Every May 20th, World Bee Day commemorates the indispensable contribution of bees and other pollinators to our ecosystems and food security. This date holds significance as it honors Anton Janša, a Slovenian innovator in modern beekeeping, who was born on May 20, 1734, and pioneered the first beekeeping school globally. Bees not only produce honey and wax, but also play a crucial role in pollination, facilitating the transfer of pollen between plants, which is essential for fertilization and reproduction. Their pollination efforts impact 75% of the world's crops and 90% of wild flowering plants, fostering biodiversity, climate resilience, and human sustenance. However, bees and other pollinators confront numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, invasive species, and climate change, jeopardizing their survival and diversity.

World Bee Day aims to raise awareness of these challenges and advocate for actions to protect and preserve bees and their habitats, such as planting bee-friendly flowers, avoiding pesticides, and supporting local beekeepers. This annual observance serves to highlight the critical role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining a healthy planet while shedding light on the obstacles they face, such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change. Here are some ways you can participate in this important cause:

Here are some ways to support bees and pollinators:

- Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Choose flowers that attract bees like lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers to provide them with food and shelter.
- Avoid Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of harmful pesticides in your garden and opt for natural alternatives to protect bees and other beneficial insects.
- Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers to help sustain their livelihoods and maintain bee populations.
- Educate Youth: Involve young people in beekeeping activities and conservation efforts as they are the future stewards of our environment.
- Remember, you don’t have to be a beekeeper to make a difference. Even small actions collectively contribute to the well-being of bees and pollinators! 🐝🌼

Observing World Bee Day annually helps raise awareness about the crucial role bees and other pollinators play in maintaining human and environmental health. Since its establishment in 2018, World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20th, underscores the importance of bees and pollinators while highlighting the challenges they face. This global initiative was spearheaded by the Government of Slovenia with the support of Apimondia, leading to the UN General Assembly's declaration of May 20th as World Bee Day.

Presently, there is a noticeable decline in the abundance of bees, pollinators, and various other insects. This occasion serves as an opportunity for individuals across different sectors, including governments, organizations, civil society, and concerned citizens, to advocate for measures that safeguard and enrich pollinators and their habitats. Enhancing their abundance and diversity while promoting sustainable beekeeping practices is crucial, considering the indispensable role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining global agriculture and biodiversity. Despite their significance, these species face challenges stemming from human activities such as habitat destruction, pesticide usage, and the impacts of climate change.

Recognizing the pivotal role that young people can play in addressing these challenges, World Bee Day 2024 emphasizes the theme "Bee engaged with Youth." This theme underscores the importance of involving young individuals in beekeeping and pollinator conservation endeavors, acknowledging them as the future custodians of our environment. The campaign aims to heighten awareness among youth and other stakeholders about the critical role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological harmony, and the preservation of biodiversity. By engaging young people through beekeeping initiatives, educational programs, and advocacy campaigns, the goal is to inspire a new generation of environmental advocates and empower them to effect positive change on a global scale.

We're all familiar with the fundamental aspects of bees: their pivotal role as pollinators, their honey-making ability, and their characteristic buzzing sound. They're also known to be friendly companions during picnics. However, did you realize that bees contribute beyond these basics? They provide us with medicinal products and contribute to the beauty and well-being of our planet.

Did you ever wonder about the fascinating world of beekeeping? It involves the upkeep of bee colonies, often housed in artificial beehives. While honey bees, primarily from the Apis genus, are the most prevalent, did you know that beekeepers also tend to other species like the Melipona stingless bees, renowned for their honey production?

Take a bee quiz to delve deeper into the world of these remarkable insects! Bees exhibit a remarkable diversity, coming in various shapes and sizes. Adapted to diverse environments, a wide array of bee species and subspecies inhabit different regions worldwide. Some of these species, like the Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) and Eastern or Asiatic honeybees (Apis cerana), are managed by humans for honey production and pollination services. Additionally, species such as stingless bees (Melipona spp.) and bumblebees (Bombus spp.) play crucial roles in pollination and ecosystem balance.