May 20th is the birth date of Anton Janša (1734–1773), a Slovenian beekeeper who worked as a professor of apiculture in Vienna (UN Food and Agriculture Organization). After nearly 250 years, Anton is still considered the pioneer of modern beekeeping. In 2017, the United Nations designated May 20th as World Bee Day to raise awareness for the importance of bees and the threats they face. World Bee Day is a celebration of the remarkable role these small creatures play in our ecosystems and also a day to recognize that global efforts are needed to protect bees from an uncertain future.
Bees are arguably the most important species on the planet. This is due to the major part bees play in pollination. It is estimated that three out of four of the world’s food crops depend at least in part on bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and birds. Bee pollination is considered essential for kiwi, passion fruit, watermelon, squash, and a number of other popular foods. In addition, nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species and 35% of agricultural land depend on some form of animal pollination (United Nations).
Pollination works by transferring pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma, either within the same plant or to another plant of the same species. When successful, pollination results in the production of seeds and fruit (U.S. Forest Service). Bees collect pollen and nectar, often on their hind legs, and bring it back to their hive to feed other bees and their larvae. As they travel from plant to plant, bees contribute to pollination and therefore play a fundamental role in the survival of earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as sustainable food production. There are between 20,000 to 30,000 different bee species in the world, and all of them require pollen at some point in their lives.
Bees are under threat worldwide. Close to 35% of bees and butterflies face extinction globally (United Nations). Their numbers have declined dramatically due to a range of human activities, including changes in land use, agricultural practices, pesticides, pollution, and disease. Climate change is causing a number of issues, including habitat shrinkage, shifting weather patterns, and rising temperatures that have allowed parasites, pests, and non-native insect species to spread and compete with native bees for food and nesting resources. In recent news, Asian giant hornets have been observed decimating the hives of honeybees in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. It is not clear exactly how they arrived in North America, but entomologists worry the hornets will exacerbate the already perilous situation for honeybees (New York Post).
To help bees, individuals can adopt some of the same practices that are used to protect the environment in general, such as planting native plants, buying products that support sustainable agricultural practices, avoiding the use of pesticides, and fighting climate change (see our blog Six Actionable Steps You Can Take to Fight Climate Change). We can also show support for beekeepers by sponsoring a hive and buying raw honey from local farmers.
Another solution for helping bees is raising awareness. Bees are perhaps one of the most underappreciated of all animals. These tiny creatures play a vital role in the survival of plants, animals, and humans around the globe. The annual observance of World Bee Day contributes to raising awareness and demanding collective action to protect bees and other pollinators.
