What is World Bee Day?
The main purpose of World Bee Day events is to spread awareness of the significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival. Simply proclaiming World Bee Day does not do much for bees and other pollinators; the main work of safeguarding their existence still needs to be undertaken. World Bee Day is an excellent opportunity to put bees at the centre of the national conversation for a day and encourage actions that create more bee-friendly landscapes.
Beekeepers and nature conservationists are united in encouraging improved conditions for bees to build pollination security and to safeguard our food security.
About World Bee Day Project
Slovenia proposed that the United Nations (UN) proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day. On 20 December 2017, following three years of efforts at the international level, the UN Member States unanimously approved Slovenia’s proposal, thus proclaiming 20 May as World Bee Day.
The purpose of the www.worldbeeday.org.au website is to present the initiative and its implementation, raise awareness of the importance of bees and beekeeping, inform the public of major beekeeping events around the world and celebrate World Bee Day. There’s lot on for World Bee Day here in Victoria, so take a look at https://www.worldbeeday.org.au/region/vic/ for some great events, including a free webinar that I’ll be speaking at, about Powerful Pollinators, on 21st May.
Why do we need bees?
Food security
Bees – honey bees and the thousands of species of native bees – are important to our livelihood as they help to pollinate most of the crops we eat and many that feed farm animals. Nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee pollination.
Bee populations, particularly native bees, are under threat. Destruction of their natural habitat, intensive farming practices, and pests and diseases are just some of the complex reasons driving a decline in both the number and diversity of bees.
Without bees, our food security is at risk.
Bees & biodiversity
There are over 20,000 species of bee that exist globally and Australia is home to around 2,000 species of native bee. Native bees have co-evolved with our unique native flora over thousands of years.
Some species of plant can only be pollinated by a particular species of bee. In the absence of pollination, the plant species cannot reproduce so if that bee species dies, so too will the plant.
Without bees, biodiversity is at risk.
Ecosystem health
Bees are keystone species that play a vital role in preserving ecosystem health. Bees provide essential pollination services for plants.
Maintaining plant diversity supports other essential ecosystem services including helping to regulate climate, purify air and water, build soil and recycle nutrients.
Without bees, ecosystems are at risk.
Waggle Dance for World Bee Day
Join the hive jive and participate in the Worldwide Waggle Dance for World Bee Day!
Bees communicate in the hive using a waggle dance to tell other bees where to find pollen, nectar and water to drink. You can buzz like a bee and spread your wings to share the importance of bees by doing a human waggle dance! The aim is to have over 20,000 participants, equal to the number of bee species on planet Earth. Encourage friends, family and even your school to be involved. Visit the World Bee Day Waggle Dance Challenge website, dress up in your best bee costume, practice your dance steps, and upload your waggle dance for World Bee Day.
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