The UN General Assembly established World Bee Day in 2017 to highlight the importance of these small workers on which the survival of humanity and ecosystems depend: they are responsible for pollinating three-quarters of the world’s agricultural crops and 90% of wild flowering plant species.
On 20 May, World Bee Day, farmers are invited to do their work in a way that does not harm bees: reduce the use of pesticides – which can kill entire colonies – or change the substances used, diversify agricultural crops and create hedgerows for a diversity of plants on the land, which attracts pollinating bees.
Bee species extinction rates have increased 100 to 1000-fold due to human activities.
What we can do on an individual level:
- Plant native and flowering plants in our yards and fields, and plants which flower at different times of the year.
- Buy raw honey from local producers.
- Buy products obtained through organic or sustainable agriculture.
- Avoid using fungicides, pesticides or herbicides in the garden.
- Spread the word about the importance of these small workers who make our survival possible.
- In developed countries, eco-aware people interested in the issue have started sponsoring a beehive.
Photo credit: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene (beekeeping in Romania)
