World Bee Day

By: Eeshar Pannu

There are about 3.5 trillion bees in the world today. I know you think it's a lot, but there’s been a steady decline in the population of bee species. 40% of all global bee populations are at risk of extinction. Studies show that in Canada alone, 45.5% of honey bee colonies were lost during the winter of 2021-2022.
Since 2017, World Bee Day has been celebrated annually on May 20th to recognize the importance of bees and other pollinators. The United Nations designated this day for many reasons.

More Than Making Honey
Bees do so much more than just make honey. They’re tiny but powerful pollinators that keep our ecosystems and food supply running. As they collect nectar, they unintentionally transfer pollen, helping plants reproduce and grow the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we rely on. Without the different bee species that exist today, many foods we enjoy daily would be much less available.
In addition, bees also produce beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis, which are used in skincare products and natural medicine. Entire ecosystems and food chains rely on bees as well, and luckily, there are ways to help them.
Raising Awareness of the Threats Bees Face
Beekeepers across the United States have reported that adult worker bees are leaving their nests, queens, larvae, and resources without cause. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has now brought public attention to the importance of pollinators, human impact on their health, and the consequences of their potential loss. Wild bee populations have also declined, with one in six species regionally extinct.
The most pressing threats to long-term bee survival are climate change, habitat loss, invasive plants and bees, low genetic diversity, pathogens spread by commercially managed bees, and pesticides. These threats result from the way commercial bee farms work, manipulating and exploiting the insects' desire to live and protect their hives.

Strengthen Measures to Protect Bees
There are practices that bee farms can use to minimize harm and support healthy colonies. Minimizing pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics that can weaken bee immune systems and cause colony collapse. If necessary, use organic or bee-friendly alternatives. Planting a variety of nectar and pollen-rich flowers will provide bees with a balanced diet and reduce dependence on single-crop pollination. Frequently relocating hives for commercial pollination can stress bees and expose them to different diseases. Limiting transport and giving proper rest periods can help.
There are also ways for you to help. You can choose plants that provide nectar and pollen, such as lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers. You can buy honey and bee products from ethical, local sources. If you don't have your own garden, buy organic products whenever possible.

To summarize, bees do so much more for us than just making honey, they’re crucial to our survival. Unfortunately, they’re being exploited to wherever brands and farms could make the most money, leading to a decline in their population and their inability to perform other tasks. But there are ways for us to fix this, and for you to make a difference from your home. Happy World Bee Day!