Why bees matter

• 1/3 of global food production depends on bees.
• Bees pollinate 1/5 of world's plant species.
• Honeybees communicate through dance.
• A single Bee can visit 1,000-2,000 flowers per day.
• Bees collect pollen, nectar, and water.
• Honeybees produce 60-100 mg honey in their lifetime.
• Beeswax is used in cosmetics, candles, and polish.
• Royal jelly has antibacterial properties.
• Pollen is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Bees enable reproduction in 75% of crop species.
• Bees contribute to $200B annual global food production.
• 1/4 of Western diet depends on bee-pollinated crops.
• Bees pollinate fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.
• Coffee, chocolate, and avocados rely on bee pollination.
• Bees maintain ecosystem health.
• Bees support biodiversity.
• Pollinators impact 87 of 115 leading food crops.
• Bees enhance crop quality and yield.
• Bees facilitate seed production.
• Bees ensure food security

Taking urgent action

• Plant bee-friendly flowers in your garden.
• Support your local bee enthusiasts!
• Reduce pesticide use in your community.
• Educate others about bee importance.
• Support bee conservation efforts.
• Buy bee-friendly products.
• Collaborate with local beekeepers.
• Protect natural habitats.
• Develop bee-friendly gardens.
• Celebrate World Bee Day!

Threats to Bees

• Habitat loss affects 70% of bee species.
• Pesticides kill 20,000-30,000 bees per year.
• Beekeepers lose 30% of colonies annually.
• Parasites and pathogens threaten bee health.
• Lack of forage and nutrition impacts bees.
• Inadequate bee habitat conservation.
• Over-reliance on single crop species.
• Monoculture farming harms bee diversity.
• Invasive species threaten native bees.
• Extreme weather events impact bee colonies.
• Soil degradation affects bee-friendly plants.
• Human activities drive bee population decline.

20 May World Bee Day

World Bee Day raises awareness of the essential role bees, and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. The date coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard while needing so little attention.