World Bee Day is once again being celebrated, as designated by the United Nations on May 20th. This global event aims to raise awareness about the significance of pollinators and the challenges they encounter. In Poland, we annually commemorate this day by highlighting the essential role of bees and other pollinators.
World Bee Day 2023 calls for action to protect bees and other pollinators
Bees and other pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems and ensuring food security. They contribute to biodiversity and the production of nutritious food. However, the intensive monoculture practices and the improper use of pesticides present severe threats to pollinators. These activities diminish their access to food and nesting habitats, expose them to harmful chemicals, and weaken their immune systems.
Under the theme “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production,” World Bee Day 2023 urges global action to support favourable agricultural practices for pollinators. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding bees and other pollinators, particularly through evidence-based agricultural approaches.
World Bee Day was launched by the United Nations in 2018, initiated by Slovenia, to emphasize the critical role of bees in food production and draw attention to the risks they face.
What to do to support bees and other pollinators on World Bee Day
Let us remember the valuable contribution bees and other pollinators make to humanity. Pollination is an essential 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,”
according to the United Nations.
It is essential to recognize that each individual can contribute to the protection of bees. Here are some simple ways to support them:
- Provide bee-friendly habitats in our gardens.
- Show care for the environment.
- Preserve an area of unmown lawn in our gardens where a flower meadow can be planted.
- Plant or sow honey plants with varying flowering times.
- Avoid burning grasses, stems, and flowers from the previous year, as many insect species seek refuge there.
- Create watering spots, especially on sunny days, such as small stones, to allow insects to drink without the risk of wetting their wings.
Photo by Ankith Choudhary on Unsplash