In 2017, the United Nations declared 20 May World Bee Day at the initiative of the Republic of Slovenia, to raise awareness of the importance of bees for the preservation of natural balance and the survival of humankind.
World Bee Day is intended to raise awareness of the global public on the importance of bees and wild pollinators, bring countries worldwide together in an effort to contribute to their protection, and resolve global problems. This can be achieved by transitioning to sustainable agriculture and could potentially eradicate poverty and hunger in developing countries. There are approximately 20,000 different species of bees on our planet, the best known of which is the honey bee. They are exceptionally important for the preservation of the natural balance that they maintain by pollinating plants. They ensure the crossbreeding of unrelated plants in the ecosystem, as well as the reproduction and biotic diversity of numerous species of cultivated and wild plants. Pollinators are also an excellent bio-indicator of the condition of any given environment. By observing their development and health, we can determine if something is happening in the environment and whether we need to take measures. Bees have, as of recently, become an increasingly endangered species.
The importance of bees and pollinators
Bees are known for being tireless workers and, together with other pollinators, constitute an indispensable link in nature. They are essential for sustainable agriculture, food safety and biotic diversity. In addition to ensuring food safety and vital agriculture (with every third spoon of world food depending on pollination), bees and other pollinators are invaluable for both the economy and the environment.
Bees are an important source of income for farmers, especially smaller farmers and family farms, primarily in developing countries. Pollination is also exceptionally important for other plants used as biofuels, fibers, medicines, livestock food and construction materials. In this way, many jobs are preserved and generated.
Bees and pollinators are endangered
Studies by world-renowned organizations, the United Nations and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have found that the populations of bees, as well as of other pollinators, are dwindling. There are many human-related contributing factors, such as intensive agriculture, widespread and excessive use of pesticides and pollution. Bees are also endangered by pests and diseases. Their habitat is shrinking due to the constant growth of the world's population. The life and development of bees are also threatened by climate change. Bees and other pollinators are essential for the global food chain. They not only ensure food safety, but also perform economic activities worth 577 billion dollars, as estimated by the Intergovernmental Sciene-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
Since 1850, 23 species of bees and wasps that pollinate plants have been exterminated.
Given that bees and other pollinators have a major role in the preservation of biodiversity and production of our food, they must be protected. The ban of the most commonly used neonicotinoids is an important step towards the reversal of the trend of bee population reduction in Europe.
Prepared by: Astrid W.