Observed on May 20, World Bee Day commemorates the birth of Anton Janša, a pioneer in beekeeping, born in 1734. This international day serves to recognize the crucial role played by bees and other pollinators in sustaining the ecosystem. The proposal to designate May 20 as World Bee Day was endorsed by UN Member States in December 2017, following Slovenia's initiative.

History and Background

• Establishment: World Bee Day was proposed by the Republic of Slovenia and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2017. The first celebration took place on May 20, 2018.
• Date Significance: May 20th was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, born in 1734 in Slovenia. Janša’s work and teachings have significantly influenced apiculture.

Objectives

The primary objectives of World Bee Day are:

1. Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding of the importance of bees and other pollinators.
2. Promote Actions: Encourage actions that protect bees and their habitats.
3. Support Sustainable Development: Highlight the role of bees in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
4. Celebrate Beekeeping: Recognize the contribution of beekeepers and promote beekeeping practices.

Importance of Bees

Bees are essential for several reasons:

1. Pollination: Bees are crucial pollinators for many plants, including crops. About 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators to some extent.
2. Biodiversity: Bees contribute to the health and diversity of ecosystems by pollinating wild plants.
3. Food Security: The pollination services provided by bees are vital for the production of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and oils.
4. Economic Impact: Beekeeping provides income for many rural and small-scale farmers, supporting livelihoods and economic development.

Threats to Bees

Bees face numerous threats that have led to declining populations:

1. Pesticides: Exposure to pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, can be harmful to bees, affecting their ability to forage, reproduce, and survive.
2. Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation lead to the loss of natural habitats for bees.
3. Climate Change: Changes in climate affect the availability of flowers and the timing of blooming, disrupting bee foraging patterns.
4. Diseases and Parasites: Bees are vulnerable to diseases and parasites, such as Varroa mites, which can devastate colonies.
5. Monoculture Farming: Large-scale monoculture farming reduces the diversity of plants available for bees to forage, affecting their nutrition.

Celebrations and Activities

World Bee Day is marked by various activities and events aimed at raising awareness and promoting bee conservation:

1. Educational Programs: Schools, universities, and environmental organizations host workshops, lectures, and seminars on the importance of bees and pollinators.
2. Beekeeping Demonstrations: Beekeeping associations and farms provide demonstrations and tours to educate the public about beekeeping practices.
3. Planting Events: Community groups organize planting events to create bee-friendly habitats, such as wildflower gardens and pollinator corridors.
4. Campaigns and Exhibitions: Awareness campaigns, art exhibitions, and public displays highlight the role of bees and the challenges they face.
5. Social Media Campaigns: People share information, photos, and stories about bees and pollinators using hashtags like #WorldBeeDay and #SaveTheBees.

How to Participate

1. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Create a garden or plant flowers that attract and support bees, such as lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers.
2. Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers to support sustainable beekeeping practices.
3. Reduce Pesticide Use: Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden and advocate for pesticide-free practices in your community.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about bees and their importance, and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community.
5. Advocate for Bees: Support policies and initiatives that protect bees and their habitats, such as conservation programs and sustainable farming practices.
6. Participate in Events: Join local or virtual events celebrating World Bee Day to learn more and contribute to bee conservation efforts.

Significance of World Bee Day

World Bee Day plays a crucial role in highlighting the essential services that bees and other pollinators provide to ecosystems and agriculture. By raising awareness and promoting actions to protect bees, this day helps to ensure the sustainability of food production and biodiversity.

The observance of World Bee Day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take proactive steps to safeguard bee populations, recognizing their indispensable role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human livelihoods. Through education, advocacy, and conservation efforts, World Bee Day contributes to a global movement to protect bees and secure a sustainable future.