Buzzing into Action: How World Bee Day Highlights the Busy Lives of Bees Amid Growing Threats to Their Survival

COLOGNE – On World Bee Day, around 400,000 busy bees buzzed in rooftop hives across Cologne, Germany. They worked hard to make honey, seemingly unaware of the dangers they face. Scientists and bee experts hope this day can spread awareness about the challenges bees are up against.

Matthias Roth, head of the Cologne Beekeepers Association, stresses the need to protect not just honey bees, but also wild bee species. His group has installed nesting boxes for solitary bees, which don’t live in hives. Despite these efforts, Roth is worried it’s not enough. “We must take care of nature,” he says. “In cities, we’ve become disconnected from the natural world, and wild bees need our help.”

Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years. Experts cite multiple reasons, including pesticides, diseases, climate change, and a lack of diverse food sources. These tiny workers are vital for our food supply, supporting many plants we eat, not just through honeybees but also through numerous lesser-known wild bees, many of which are endangered.

World Bee Day was established in 2018 by the U.N. to highlight the plight of bees. Simple actions, like planting gardens for pollinators or buying honey from local farmers, can make a difference.

May 20th was chosen for this day to honor Anton Janša, an 18th-century pioneer of beekeeping from Slovenia. In Germany, bees generate about 2 billion euros (around $2.3 billion) each year, playing a crucial role in pollinating the country’s iconic yellow rapeseed fields come spring.

A recent survey showed that over 70% of people are now more aware of the importance of bees than five years ago. This growing awareness could lead to more support for conservation efforts.

Let’s remember: a world without bees would mean less food and fewer flowers. So, let’s cherish these amazing creatures. They’re not just part of nature; they’re key to our survival.

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Matthias Roth,World news,Business,environment,Climate,Anton Jansa