World Bee Day 2023 - 20th May
We depend on bees and other pollinators for our very existence. They play a vital role in agriculture and global ecosystems by maintaining our food supply and contributing to biodiversity and other ecosystem services.
Most pollinators are wild, with many types of butterflies, birds, bats and other insects, and over 20,000 species of bees. But, in many areas, bees and pollinators are declining in abundance and diversity. Most of the drivers for this are down to us humans.
World Bee Day on 20th May is a call for global cooperation and
solidarity to ensure that we prioritise efforts to protect bees and other pollinators. We must mitigate against the threats posed to food security and agricultural livelihoods and defend against biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
World Bee Day is also an occasion to raise awareness of how everyone can make a difference to support, restore and enhance the role of pollinators.
Take a look at just some of the facts about bees and pollinators and see some ideas on how we can all make a difference.
Bee & Pollinator Facts
The alarming decline of bees and pollinators in many regions can be attributed to a number of factors including improper use of pesticides and habitat loss.
What Can We Do?
A lot of what needs to happen, needs to be implemented by Governments. As individuals, that may seem overwhelming but there are petitions you can sign which will get heard en masse:
Three Simple Things You Can Do
As individuals, we can all make a difference. The products we buy and how we live are more under the spotlight than ever and as consumers we can support sustainable development through the choices we make in our daily life.
- If you can, buy organic and locally-grown produce, supporting pollinator-friendly labels. There are thousands of small local businesses selling honey and other natural produce. You may need to spend a little bit extra, which we know is hard right now for many. Still, the quality will be better, the waste (including transport) will be lower, and you will be helping a small local business (probably with a family behind it) to flourish and invest more in natural production.
- Reduce food waste. We could all do more with less. Why rely on a delivery service and all the costs and environmental impact they make when you can cook your own. It’s quick, cost-effective, and usually a lot tastier.
- Plant pollinator-friendly plants and flowers in your garden or window box. They can protect pollinators and safeguard the undeniable benefits they bring.
For more information about World Bee Day on a global scale, visit the World Bee Day UN website.
