World Bee Day

World Bee Day History

World Bee Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of bees. Bees are important insects that help preserve balance within ecosystems. They play an important role as they help pollinate flowers and agricultural plants. According to worldbeeday.org, 1/3 of all food produced in the world depends on pollination. Unfortunately, bee populations have been decreasing due to climate change, pollution, and intensive agriculture. This day aims to encourage new solutions to prevent bee populations from declining.

World Bee Day was established in 2017 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on May 20th, the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer in modern beekeeping.

World Bee Day facts

• According to the UN, about 35% of invertebrate pollinators (bees and butterflies) face global extinction due to human impact.
• A single honeybee can produce around 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
• A typical honeybee colony can consist of 20,000 to 80,000 bees during peak season.
• Bees play an important role in nature as pollinators. Alongside other insects and animals like butterflies and bats, bees help pollinate about 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species. They also help pollinate 75% of the world’s food crops.
• Bees can fly between 6 and 30 Miles Per Hour, the fastest Bee species are the Yellow Jackets.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Bee Day

Top things to do in the US for World Bee Day

• Do what you can to help bees! Plant native plants and flowers, avoid using pesticides or herbicides, and purchase honey from local farmers.
• Explore a collection of poems about bees and their importance.
• Watch the 2020 World Bee Day video if you missed it. The FAO discusses the importance of bees and their products as well as the role of beekeepers.