Most people know bees are under increasing threat from human activity but what can I do about it? It’s such a big problem.
Saturday 20 May is World Bee Day, designed to increase our awareness of these amazing pollinators and to show that we can do something about it!
Saturday 20 May was chosen as World Bee Day by the United Nations in honour of the birthday of Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping in the 18th century. Anton Janša (c. 20 May 1734 – 13 September 1773) was a Carneolan beekeeper and painter and is known as a pioneer of modern apiculture and a great expert in the field. He was educated as a painter, but was employed as a teacher of apiculture at the Habsburg court in Vienna. Anton Jansa.
What does the UN suggest we do?
Individually, we could help by;
- planting a diverse range of native plants, which flower at different times of the year, our bees’ favourite forage.
- buying honey from local beekeepers, Local hive products for sale;
- buying products from sustainable agricultural practices;
- avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens; Gardening for pollinators.
- protecting wild bee colonies when possible;
- making a bee water fountain by leaving a shallow water bowl outside, Save the bees!
- Offering land or your garden to a beekeeper for use as a apiary, Offering your space as an apiary.
- raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks; The decline of bees affects us all! Further reading.
As beekeepers or farmers by;
- reducing, or changing the usage of pesticides;
- diversifying crops as much as possible, and/or planting attractive crops around the field;
- creating hedgerows or meadows
As governments and decision-makers by;
- strengthening the participation of local communities in decision-making, in particular that of indigenous people, who know and respect ecosystems and biodiversity;
- enforcing strategic measures, including monetary incentives to help change;
- increasing collaboration between national and international organizations, organizations and academic and research networks to monitor and evaluate pollination services.
World bee day, further reading.
Meridian Beekeepers’ Association 
What an amazing and enjoyable informative read, your contribution is appreciable. Keep up the good work!
Bee Embroidery Design
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