May 20: World Bee Day
Every year on May 20 becomes World Bee Day celebrated, a day invoked by the United Nations to highlight the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and their contribution to sustainable development. This date was chosen because it coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century pioneer of modern beekeeping techniques from Slovenia. Janša praised bees for their ability to work hard with minimal attention, a feature that makes them indispensable to our ecosystems.
This day offers us the opportunity to reflect on the crucial role that these small but mighty insects play in our ecosystem and food production.
The importance of bees
Bees are responsible for pollinating approximately 75% of crops consumed directly or indirectly by humans. This means that they contribute to the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as other crops such as coffee and cotton. Without bees, our food supply and biodiversity would be seriously threatened.
Ecological role
In addition to their role in agriculture, bees are also crucial for maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating flowers, they contribute to the reproduction of plants and flowers, which in turn is important for other animals that depend on these plants for food and shelter. Bees are therefore an integral part of the ecosystem.
