For over 30 million years bees , among the hardest working animal creatures on the planet, have brought benefits to people, plants and the environment, primarily maintaining the balance of ecosystems and preserving biodiversity , through their work of transporting pollen from one flower to another with an impact on cultivated species in Europe greater than 80%.
For this reason the United Nations recognized in 2017 a world day dedicated to the protection of bees, the World Bee Day, which today is remembered by 115 countries around the world. The date chosen to raise public awareness on this topic is 20 May , date of birth of Anton Janša , among the main founders of modern beekeeping. Slovenia, home of Janša, is one of the countries most attentive and linked to the world of beekeeping, where it is strongly rooted.
The importance of bees, some facts
- They are fundamental not only for the survival of many plant species, but also for humans.
- They have an active role in the restoration of areas close to desertification and in the direct and indirect absorption of carbon dioxide.
- They guarantee the reproduction of 78% of wild flower species and 84% of cultivated species in the European Union.
- Over two thirds of food crops are available thanks to the pollination activity of bees.
What dangers do bees face?
Unfortunately, the continuous and sudden climate changes of our planet, the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides combined with the increase in intensive agricultural practices and the general level of pollution, threaten the survival of bees.
It is estimated that in about 10 years about 10 million hives have disappeared and that in about 30 years the world population of wasps and bees has reduced by as much as 40%. In Italy alone, 200 thousand beehives have become extinct in the last 5 years.
Purpose of World Bee Day
This day was created with the aim of helping reflection and awareness of public opinion and governments on the importance of bees and beekeeping.
For this reason World Bee Day aims to:
- raise awareness among the world population and politicians about the importance of protecting bees;
- protect bees and other pollinators to significantly contribute to solving global food supply problems;
- stop the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems and thus contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals
We at Patrizia Volpato strongly support World Bee Day as we are aware of the immense work they do every day for the physical and economic well-being of the whole bee world population.
The initiatives of World Bee Day 2021
During this fourth edition, a virtual event will be held on 20 May 2021, organized by FAO to explore the theme: “Bee committed. Build Back Better for Bees”.
The event will call for global cooperation and solidarity to counter the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to food security and agricultural livelihoods, as well as prioritizing environmental regeneration and pollinator protection.
As reported by FAO:
“Now is the time to rethink how we relate to nature and pollinators, and what actions we can take to support these tiny workers and the millions of livelihoods they, in turn, support.”
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