🐝 World Bee Day: Why It Matters More Than Ever

You may have noticed the yearly celebration of bees this week on May 20th, people around the globe celebrate World Bee Day—a time to shine a spotlight on one of the planet’s most important, and increasingly vulnerable, creatures: the bee.

But why should we care so much about bees? Let’s take a closer look at why these tiny pollinators play such a massive role in our lives, our environment, and our future.

🌼 Bees: Unsung Heroes of the Natural World

Bees are far more than honey-makers. They’re essential pollinators for nearly three-quarters of the world’s food crops. Apples, almonds, tomatoes, coffee, strawberries—these are just a few of the many foods we enjoy thanks to bees.

When bees pollinate plants, they help them reproduce, which supports entire ecosystems. Birds, insects, and other animals rely on these plants for food and shelter. So when we help bees, we help biodiversity as a whole.

🚨 Why Are Bees in Trouble?

Bee populations around the world are declining—and fast. Several factors are contributing to this crisis:

• Pesticides (especially neonicotinoids)

• Habitat loss from urban sprawl and intensive agriculture

• Climate change, which disrupts flowering cycles and food sources I

• Pollution, which affects both bee health and forage quality

The loss of bees isn’t just an ecological disaster—it’s a threat to global food security. Fewer bees mean fewer crops, which can drive up food prices and reduce the variety and nutritional quality of our diets.

🌍 What Is World Bee Day?

World Bee Day was established by the United Nations in 2017, marking the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping born in Slovenia in 1734.

The aim? To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and the ways we can protect them. It’s a global call to action—and one we all can take part in.

💛 How You Can Help

Whether you live in the countryside or a city apartment, there are lots of simple and effective ways to support bees:

🌸 Plant for pollinators

Choose bee-friendly flowers like borage, or native wildflowers. Bees need nectar and pollen-rich plants from early spring through late autumn. See our guide to year round food for bees on our website

🚫 Say no to pesticides

Avoid chemical sprays in your garden. Even “natural” pesticides can harm bees, so research safer alternatives or embrace organic growing methods.

🍯 Buy local honey

Support beekeepers who care for their bees

ethically. It’s a delicious way to contribute to the cause!

🐝 Build a bee hotel

Solitary bees like mason bees love small nesting places. Bee hotels or simple drilled logs can give them a safe home.

📢 Spread the word

Talk to your friends and family about bees. Share posts on social media. Join local conservation efforts or even take up beekeeping yourself!

🐝 love the bees

Bees might be small, but their impact on our lives is huge. World Bee Day reminds us that protecting pollinators is not just a job for scientists and farmers—it’s something we all need to be part of.

Want to learn more about bees or get involved in a bee-friendly project? Drop me a message or check out our upcoming courses! 🌿