PURPOSE: May 20th coincides with the birthday the 18th century pioneer Anton Janša, who invented the modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little attention. The World Bee Day observed on 20 May aims to raise awareness of the importance of bees and beekeeping, by informing the public of beekeeping events around the world. Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. However, intensive monoculture production and improper use of pesticides pose serious threats to pollinators by reducing their access to food and nesting sites, exposing them to harmful chemicals, and weakening their immune systems.The main purpose of the events is to spread awareness of the significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival. The FAO, as the organizer of the event invites the member states, organizations, research and educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, farmers and beekeepers, as well as each individual, to preserve bees and other pollinators.
FORUM: “Bee engaged with Youth”. World Bee Day 2024. Bees and other pollinators are essential for our existence, sustaining agriculture and biodiversity worldwide. With over 20,000 species of bees and various other wild pollinators, they face challenges from human activities, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. In recognition of the pivotal role that youth can play in addressing challenges bees and other pollinators are facing, the theme of World Bee Day 2024 will highlight the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment. This year's the World Bee Day 2024 campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and other stakeholders about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. By engaging young people in beekeeping activities, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we can inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and empower them to make a positive impact on the world. Fostering more diverse agricultural systems and reducing reliance on toxic chemicals can facilitate increased pollination. This approach can improve food quality and quantity, benefiting both human populations and the ecosystem. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldbeeday, #20May, #SavetheBees.
EVENTS: On May 22nd, The Government of Slovenia and FAO organize the International forum for action on sustainable beekeeping and pollination; This hybrid event entitled “Bees for people, planet and peace” will be held from the FAO headquarters starting at 09.00 GMT. The event brings together governments, experts, business and civil society to give a regular fresh impetus to the international cooperation on beekeeping and pollination and to align it with the quickly changing needs. It also provides a platform to share experience from beekeeping and pollination development projects and initiatives around the globe – to learn and get inspired by them. The forum will provide an opportunity for in-depth dialogue and reflection. Tune up to watch the livestream!
Worldwide events
In Geneva May 21st, 2024; The celebration of World Bee Day will take place at the Palace of Nations. Find out more
In Slovenia; From 22 to 23 May 2024; will be held the International Forum for Sustainable Beekeeping. Find out more
In Madrid, Spain; From June 15 to 16th will be held the Bee Health Symposium 2024. Find out more and register
INITIATIVES: Learn about the FAO's Global Action on Pollination Services for Sustainable Agriculture and about the TECA - Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers.
PUBLICATIONS: Guidance, tools and analysis on bees and other pollinators.
PODCASTS: If bee families continue to disappear in Europe at current or even higher rates, this could lead to the breakdown of the economy and put our health and well-being at risk Pollinators are economically, socially and culturally important; Focusing attention to the importance of engagement and actions. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: A Call for Preserving Bees. Inform, educate and engage audiences with real facts. Join the campaign by raising awareness about the need to protect bees and other pollinators. Find out more about how you can promote World Bee Day by reading the Get involved guide. Explore the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATHE THE DAY?
We must realise that simply proclaiming World Bee Day does not do much for bees and other pollinators; the main work aiming towards their preservation still needs to be undertaken and World Bee Day is an excellent opportunity in this regard. Beekeepers and nature conservationists would like to ask everybody to help improve the conditions for bees, thus improving conditions for the survival of people. No major steps are needed; what counts is each and every action that facilitates the existence of bees. A study published in the journal Lancet predicts that smaller consumption of fruit and vegetables due to climate change which also affects pollinators, will cause twice as many deaths by 2050 than hunger and malnutrition.
Every individual can contribute to the preservation of bees and other pollinators:
Plant nectar-bearing flowers for decorative purposes on balconies, terraces, and gardens.
Buy honey and other hive products from your nearest local beekeeper.
Raise awareness among children and adolescents on the importance of bees and express your support for beekeepers.
Set up a pollinator farm on your balcony, terrace, or garden; you can either make it yourself or buy at any home furnishings store.
Preserve old meadows – which feature a more diverse array of flowers – and sow nectar-bearing plants.
Highlight the importance of adopting pollinator-friendly agricultural production practices to protect bees and other pollinators, while contributing to the resilience, sustainability and efficiency of agrifood systems.
Cut grass on meadows only after the nectar-bearing plants have finished blooming.
Offer suitable farming locations for the temporary or permanent settlement of bees so that they have suitable pasture; as a consequence, they will pollinate our plants, which will thereby bear more fruit.
Use pesticides that do not harm bees, and spray them in windless weather, either early in the morning or late at night, when bees withdraw from blossoms.
Mulch blooming plants in orchards and vineyards before spraying them with pesticides so that they do not attract bees after being sprayed.