Bees – a necessary part of food security

The United Nations (UN) has designated May 20 as World Bee Day.

The goal of the observance, says the UN, is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries.

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the anthers of flowers to the stigma of other flowers of the same species. This is how plants reproduce.

According to experts, on average, worldwide, three quarters of our food comes directly or indirectly from plants which depend on natural pollinators such as bats, butterflies, and most importantly, bees.

A direct source of food would be plant products that we consume, for example, fruits and nuts. An indirect source is when an animal eats the plant or its products, and humans use the animal for food.

Bees are essential for plant reproduction. And plants are necessary for animal survival.

Elizabeth Lawrence, writer and horticulturist wrote that, “The hum of bees is the voice of the garden. If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”

According to the UN, the continued existence of bees is being threatened by humans. Regarding this year’s observance, the UN states the following:

“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 [such as bees] by reducing their access to food and nesting sites, exposing them to harmful chemicals, and weakening their immune systems.

“Under the theme “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production”, World Bee Day 2023 calls for global action to support pollinator-friendly agricultural production and highlights the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators, particularly through evidence-based agricultural production practices.”