World Bee Day: what we can learn from it

The plants, animals and microorganisms that inhabit the seas, oceans, forests and jungles constitute the diverse ecosystems of our planet.. This biological diversity – or biodiversity – is what generates a balance between species and it plays a vital role in sustaining life as we know it.

Conservation of biological diversity contributes to the survival of human beings, since obtaining plant food, water and raw materials depends on it. Today, this biodiversity is in danger.

The uncontrolled use of natural resources, destruction of habitats, pollution of the environment and, consequently, the effects of climate change are among the factors that have an impact on biodiversity and lead to the extinction of species.

According to the report “Living planet 2020” from the World Wide Fund for Nature, global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish have declined by 68% since 1970. In Latin America, the figure rises to 94%, with the degradation of the natural habitat and deforestation as the two main causes of this drastic reality, closely linked to the consumption of animals.

“It is essential that we understand that this scenario directly affects our health, diet and well-being. We must make a difference and choose to leave animal products off our plates, because their production means the depletion of natural resources and endangers us, polluting our rivers and oceans, destroying forests and exacerbating the effects of climate change. “says Jacqueline Guzmán, representative of Million Dollar Vegan Campaigns in Argentina, an international non-profit organization that seeks to showcase the benefits of a plant-based diet for health, the environment, sustainability and animals.

The loss of biodiversity also increases the occurrence of infectious diseases of zoonotic origin, such as Ebola, avian influenza and COVID-19. Humans and nature are part of a connected system.

Bees, allies in this crusade

As the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations explains, 75% of the world’s crops depend on pollination. The fruits, vegetables and seeds consumed daily exist thanks to the population of pollinators, such as bees. However, due to the use of aggressive farming systems that destroy their natural habitat, bee farms, the use of pesticides and climate change, bees are disappearing.

“Most of the honey consumed comes from beekeeping factories and, as in any other type of operation, bees are subjected to routine examinations, handling, transport, provision of artificial food, treatment with drugs and pesticides, genetic manipulation and even artificial insemination. As a result of this torture, entire colonies die, affecting the balance of biological resources, ”explains Guzmán, of Million Dollar Vegan in Argentina.

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of ecosystems, essential for the production and reproduction of many wild crops and plants.. Almost 90 percent of flowering plants depend on pollination for reproduction; more, 75 percent of the world’s food crops depend to some extent on pollination and 35 percent of the world’s agricultural land. Pollinators not only directly contribute to food security, but are also essential for the conservation of biodiversity.

To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the United Nations declared May 20 as World Bee Day.

The principal objective is to protect bees and other pollinators so that they can make a meaningful contribution to solving problems related to the global food supply and end hunger in developing countries.

On the occasion of the fourth celebration of this day, which we are celebrating in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, FAO hosted a virtual event on May 20, 2021 on the theme “Bee Commitment: Building Better for Bees”.

The law encourages global cooperation and solidarity to tackle the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to food security and agricultural livelihoods. Likewise, it aims to prioritize environmental regeneration and the protection of pollinators. Now is a good time to raise awareness of how we can help support, restore and enhance the role of pollinators.

The UN estimates that by 2025 the world population will increase by 2 billion people, but will there be enough food for everyone? The future will depend on the commitment that societies adopt, with sustainable consumption habits that respect the planet and all the species that inhabit it.

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