Most people know bees are under increasing threat from human activity but what can we do about it? It’s such a big problem.
Thursday 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!
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;
- buying raw honey from local beekeepers;
- buying products from sustainable agricultural practices;
- avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens;
- protecting wild bee colonies when possible;
- sponsoring a hive;
- making a bee water fountain by leaving a shallow water bowl outside;
- 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 