Do you think that bees give us only the honey they produce? Scientists say that without bees life would be difficult. Bees are vital to humanity and the world we live in because they are the most efficient pollinators of plants. Therefore, the World Bee Day, observed on May 20, is very relevant today.
Statistics say that bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. They, in fact, help many plants, including food crops, to reproduce.
While they contribute directly to food security, they are key to conserving biodiversity too. Bees are sometimes recognized as sentinels for emerging environmental risks, signalling the health of local ecosystems.
Bee colonies are increasingly under threat due to invasive insects, pesticides, land – use change and mono-cropping practices, which may reduce available nutrients.
The purpose of an International Day for bees is to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. The day also coincides with the birthday of Anton Jansa, who in the 18th century pioneered modern bee-keeping techniques in his native Slovenia.
Picture Credit : Google
