🌎 World Bee Day: Why It Matters
Each year, World Bee Day offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the crucial role that bees and other pollinators play in maintaining the health of both people and the planet, as well as the numerous challenges they currently face.
Since 2018, this day has been celebrated thanks to the efforts of the Government of Slovenia and the support of Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations. Their initiative led the UN General Assembly to designate May 20th as World Bee Day.
🐝 Why May 20th?
May 20th was chosen to honor the birthday of Anton Janša, a Slovenian beekeeper born in 1734.
Janša is considered a pioneer of modern beekeeping, admired for his innovative techniques and his appreciation for bees’ industriousness.
Through his work, Janša contributed significantly to sustainable beekeeping methods that benefit both farming and the environment.
World Bee Day serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role that bees and other pollinators play in pollination, biodiversity, and food security and of the urgent need to protect them.
🌻 The Importance of Pollinators: Protecting Our Ecosystems and Food Security
Pollinators including bees, butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds are vital for healthy ecosystems and food production.
However, human activities such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change are severely threatening these essential creatures.
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Pollination supports nearly 90% of wild plant species and over 75% of the world’s food crops.
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Without pollinators, both our food security and biodiversity would be at risk.
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They also contribute to soil fertility, natural pest control, and stronger, more resilient ecosystems.
Protecting pollinators means embracing nature-friendly farming practices, such as agroecology and intercropping, which promote biodiversity while maintaining healthy food production.
🌻 What Friends of the Earth Malta Is Doing for Pollinators
At Friends of the Earth Malta, we are actively working to create and protect pollinator-friendly spaces across the Maltese Islands.
Through wildlife garden projects, rewilding efforts, and community education, we aim to:
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Encourage the planting of native, pesticide-free plants.
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Support urban biodiversity by creating small wildlife sanctuaries.
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Promote natural, pesticide-free green spaces in urban areas.
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Raise awareness about the importance of pollinators through workshops and campaigns.
🌸 👉 https://foemalta.org/download/lets-make-a-wildlife-garden/
Together, we can build a greener, healthier environment for bees and for future generations.
🌼 How You Can Help
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Plant a variety of native, pollinator-friendly plants that bloom at different times of the year.
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Create pollinator hotels and wildlife patches in your garden or on your balcony.
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Avoid using pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
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Buy local, raw honey and support sustainable farmers.
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Encourage local councils to rewild urban spaces and protect green areas.
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Raise awareness in your community about the importance of pollinators.