World Bee Day urges protection of bees and other pollinators for human survival

The UN-proclaimed World Bee Day is being observed on May 20 to create awareness to preserve bees as prime pollinators who are 'increasingly under threat from human activities. 'The theme for 2026 is "Bee Together for People and the Planet – A partnership that sustains us all." The theme highlights the importance of traditional knowledge related to beekeeping, the use of bee-derived products and services, and their importance in achieving the SDGs.'

A concern that the economic crisis has an undeniable impact on the beekeeping sector affecting the production, the market and as a consequence, the livelihoods of beekeepers. We must raise awareness about the essential role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining human health and the planet

"The goal 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. We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity," stated the UN at its website and added that observance this focuses on bee production and good practices adopted by beekeepers to support their livelihoods and deliver good quality products.

The website reminds, "Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity."