ANSBACH, Germany — Honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators, such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and even bats are increasingly under threat from human activities.
Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystem.
Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend entirely or at least partially on animal pollination. So do more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land.
Natural pollination benefits fruit and vegetables significantly, as yields and quality characteristics (weight, shape, sugar-acid content, germination, fertility and shelf life) are significantly increased over other methods. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.
The worldwide economic performance of honeybees and other pollinating insects for western industrialized agriculture is estimated to be about €150 billion and around €4 billion for Germany. This makes the honeybee the third most important livestock after cattle and pigs.
World Bee Day
Did you know that the May 20 is the official World Bee Day? World Bee Day corresponds with an important influencer in the pioneering of beekeeping (apiculture).
Anton Janša, who was baptized on this day in 1734. He pioneered modern beekeeping in his home country of Slovenia in the 18th century and was one of the first to recognize the importance of bees for the world‘s environment.
Since then, beekeeping has been noted as a vital necessity in the world’s ecosystems and economic systems. Nevertheless, there are still many people who are not aware of the importance of bees, which led to the United Nations proclaiming World Bee Day in December 2017 at the suggestion of Slovenia.
Since then, the United Nations has designated May 20 as World Bee Day to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. The goal of this initiative is to protect bees and other pollinators in order to address global issues related to food supply and hunger in developing countries.
It is crucial to monitor the decline of pollinators and halt biodiversity loss. People can participate in World Bee Day by creating gardens with plants that bees are attracted to, even in small spaces like balconies or terraces. Planting flowers like sunflowers, poppies, thyme, dill, and fennel can be beneficial for pollinators.
Additionally, setting up pollination stations and creating a friendly environment for bees, butterflies, and other local pollinators can help maintain their habitats. It is also important to avoid using harmful pesticides to ensure the well-being of all of our pollinators.
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