World Bee Day - May 20

[Johnsfolly]

 

The Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association took the initiative for World Bee Day, which is now celebrated by environmentalists all over the world.  On this day, beekeeping events are held to educate the general public about the importance of bees and beekeeping.  There is a special emphasis on the role of bees as pollinators and how they help to revive forest cover.  Because the bee population is under threat, World Bee Day informs us how to protect bees and other pollinators.  

 To protect bees and other pollinators, the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association launched a campaign in 2014, calling for May 20^th to be designated as World Bee Day.  May 20^th was chosen as the day of celebration as it is the birthday of Slovenian beekeeper Anton Jansa (1734-1773), the forefather of modern beekeeping.  In 2015, the initiative was co-opted by the largest international beekeepers’ organization, Apimondia.   The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food of Slovenia traveled around the world with a pavilion called Bee World, actively promoting the projects.  Meetings with representatives of other countries and international organizations involved in environmental projects were also organized by the ministry.  In 2017, the United Nations’ Economic and Financial Committee adopted a resolution proclaiming World Bee Day.  The resolution was unanimously supported by the General Assembly of the U.N., and May 20^th was declared World Bee Day.  115 countries including the United States, Canada, China, Russia, India, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and all E.U. member states, signed on as major sponsors.

 Bees, as one of the most important pollinators, contribute to food and food security, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity.  Bees also play an important role in climate change mitigation and environmental conservation. I t is important to protect bees and the beekeeping industry to combat poverty and hunger, not to mention the significant impact on environmental health and biodiversity.  Simply put, without bees, we may never be able to solve the widespread issues of hunger and poverty.  These tiny insects are critical to our survival.  Scientific studies have proven that bees are becoming increasingly endangered.  Every environmentalist and concerned citizen is encouraged to help protect bees and their habitats on World Bee Day