International Days
World Bee Day
May 20th 2024
On May 20th we celebrate the World Bee Day, that has been established by the United Nations in order to raise awareness about one kind of pollinators that is an endangered species: this date has been chosen since it’s the day of birth of the pioneer of beekeeping Anton Janša. Bees are fundamental in our ecosystem as pollination contributes to sustainable development, since it helps with overcoming many challenges like food supply and hunger: hence this day becomes an occasion to think about the improvements that can be made in the conditions of survival of bees.
Human action has led to an important increase in the percentage of risk of extinction of bees (a 35% of invertebrate pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, and 17% of vertebrate pollinators) and not only it causes imbalances in the ecosystem, but also damages the food quality and quantity, determining many other problems that we must deal with globally.
Since among the most important origins of this pollution crisis, there are intensive farming practices, pesticides and higher temperatures related to climate change, we should try to act in our own small way: globalization has contributed to the transmission of parasites and invasive species (like the Asian hornet) that prey upon bees, and global warming leads to changes in blooming times of plants which supply food to pollinators.
This year the focus is on the theme "Bee engaged with Youth", recognizing the importance of young people when the conversation is about future and environment. As an educational purpose, it aims at making youth conscious about the role played by bees in biodiversity preservation, ecological balance, agriculture by involving the new generation in beekeeping activities.
Furthermore, this campaign provides some practical advice for a bee friendly life: you can support local beekeepers, plant flowers that provide food for bees and that bloom in different times of the year, avoid pesticides and use organic fertilizers, share information, protect wild bee colonies.
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