The aim to celebrate “World Bee Day” to spread awareness for the protection of bee to global public and policy decision –maker and give knowledge about the significance for humanity. Due to great importance, UN General Assembly declare the “World Bee Day” celebrated on 20th May every year. This day was decided on 20 December 2017 and then Slovenia play leading role by passing resolution that supported all UN member states. Anton Jansa, pioneer of modern apiculture was born in Slovenia where beekeeping is an imperative agriculture activity. For giving appreciation and acknowledgment to Anton Jansa, the date was chosen to celebrate bee day that was birth date of pioneer of modern apiculture.

The importance of bee and other pollinator for ecosystem

The pollinator “Bee” play very significant role in pollination that help to make sure food security and sustain the ecosystem. The relationship between plant and bee is mutualism (both species get benefit to each other). Bee gather nectar and pollen from plants and in turn bee play an important in reproduction of plant species. Either it is fruit, vegetable, flowery plant and crops, bee play significant role in pollination of these plants. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United State reported that about 78% to 94% global flowery plants and seed producing plants depend on bee and other pollinator that assist in survival of these plant species. By this statistic, there is no doubt left behind that how much bee and pollinator give benefit to humanity and sustain environment. It is not wrong to say that pollinators decrease hunger and poverty. The other most imperative benefit that bee gives is honey delicious product that has great health benefit for human and also used in medical products because it is anti-bacterial component. The beeswax also has great value that use to make candle, wood, leather and cosmetic. In other words, bee give ecological and economic benefits to all over world. Without pollinator, there is no longer food exist on world – no fruits, no vegetables, no crops and other products. Unfortunately, most of bee species are endangered due to anthropogenic activities.

Need to protect and global challenges face by Bee

Globally, there are about 20,000 species of bee that live in form of colonies. Manu scientific studies reported that bee species continuously decline all around world. In 2017, US wild life and fish service declared that bumble bee included in list of endangered species. There are many reason of declining in the number of species and of course due to anthropogenic activities.

Pesticides usage

Due to use of chemical pesticide and herbicides cause great harm to bee species. It may directly kill the bee or affect the health of species. Due to its dangerous affects many countries take step to make regulation to stop usage of pesticides.

Land use change

Due to urbanization and deforestation cause huge impact on pollinator. Because due to industrialization, city, road convert agriculture land, forest and habitat of bee into concrete land. The end result is reduction in pollination and food available for pollinator that move towards decline the numbers.

Climate Change

Climate Change is a global issue that affect every sector. By change in climate, change in vegetation pattern and common affect rise temperature. For instance, spring flower bloom before the time that decrease the chance of bee to take benefit from plant.

Other challenges

Other major threat to bee is parasite attack that result in bee hives destruction. And in many region adopt mono cropping that result in less chances of pollination and food available to bee.

Theme of 2021 World Bee Day

The theme of world Bee Day is Bee Engage. On this day engage the people to take steps to protect the bee due to its important that play imperative and significant role in ecosystem. This is important to protect and conserve biodiversity.

Need to take step to protect the pollinator

It is dire need of time to move toward holistic approach. It is necessary to involve individuals, communities and government.

  • *      Move to organic forming instead of using pesticide
  • *      Planting native species of plant in garden to grow the pollinator
  • *      Buy product from local farmer to support the bee keeper
  • *      Adopt sustainable agriculture practices
  • *      Afforestation
  • *    Make strict regulation to protect pollinator and give incentives to local beekeeper to grow this business.

About the Author: Urooj Fatima is a graduate of Environmental Sciences from GCWUS. She is a green blogger and loves to share her views on environment and climate.