World Bee Day 2024

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day

Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries. We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity.

In recognition of the pivotal role that youth can play in addressing challenges bees and other pollinators are facing, World Bee Day 2024 focuses on the theme "Bee engaged with Youth." This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment.   

This year's campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and other stakeholders about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. By engaging young people in beekeeping activities, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we can inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.   

Fostering more diverse agricultural systems and reducing reliance on toxic chemicals can facilitate increased pollination. This approach can improve food quality and quantity, benefiting both human populations and the ecosystem.  

How can we do more?

Individually by: 

• planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year;

• buying raw honey from local farmers;

• buying products from sustainable agricultural practices;

• avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens;

• protecting wild bee colonies when possible;

• sponsoring a hive;

• making a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside;

• helping sustaining forest ecosystems;

• raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks; The decline of bees affects us all!

As beekeepers, or farmers by:

• reducing, or changing the usage of pesticides;

• diversifying crops as much as possible, and/or planting attractive crops around the field;

• creating hedgerows.

As governments and decision-makers by:

• strengthening the participation of local communities in decision-making, in particular that of indigenous people, who know and respect ecosystems and biodiversity;

• enforcing strategic measures, including monetary incentives to help change;

• increasing collaboration between national and international organizations, organizations and academic and research networks to monitor and evaluate pollination services.