Bees are critical for a sustainable development
Updated: May 20, 2022
Bees and other pollinating insects are essential to ensure biodiversity and achieve sustainable development goals. However, they are in serious danger of extinction.
Three of the four types of crops that produce fruits and seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on crossbreeding bees and other pollen. In tropical forests in Central America, this rate rises sharply because pollinators, especially insects, are involved in pollination of 95% of leafed trees. Most plant species with flowers are specialized for the reception of pollen crosses. And that alone has no points. A well-maintained, healthy pollinating community guarantees better fruit yields with up to 24% improvement. These statistics in themselves suffice to highlight the vital importance of bee pollen mating to the health of the planet. This depends on the maintenance of biodiversity and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations.
Protect bees for a sustainable development
It may seem bizarre at first glance, but honeybees play an important role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Pollen mating is essential to sustainably feed a growing global population (Goal 2) and maintain biodiversity and active and productive ecosystems (Goal 15). Bee pollen breeding helps create a more resilient environment... It also helps create new jobs, especially for owners of small farms, to meet the growing demand for nutritious, healthy and safe food ( Goals 1 and 9). A decrease in the number of pollen crosses and the potential for their impact could exacerbate human health problems worldwide, leading to malnutrition or elevated levels of non-infectious diseases (Goals 3 and 13). One last thing I forgot to say, but remember the already mentioned increase in agricultural yields with which pot-crossing is certain (target 8).
Scientists have no doubts about the importance of crossbreeding bees with other pollen. However, as noted in a recent report published by the FAO, the distance between current science and current knowledge and everyday practice is still too great. The role of "services" in ecosystems, including pollination, is widely recognized in policy documents and scientific literature, but clear and specific guidelines on how to support them through specific countermeasures are lacking. Joint and transnational initiatives are needed to achieve this end goal, some of which are already active, at least in part. For example, through the International Pollinators Initiative 20182030 Action Plan and the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) with other partners and the FAO’s Joint Action on the Secretariat of Biodiversity to protect and manage pollinators and agriculture and promote the recognition of steady work by their diligence, irreplaceable in the health of the ecosystem.
What to do to save bees?
Let Your Lawn Get Back To Its Roots
Say No to Pesticides and Herbicides
Keep a Bee Garden
Shop Responsibly
Bee Informed
Sources to know more about bees
More importantly, it is crucial to say no as much as possible to pesticides, as they pose serious threats not only to the environment (including bees) but also human lives. ConsumerNotice.org has created a useful guide with organic, homemade, and agricultural alternatives for your daily life activities. Check it out here for easy-to-follow tips!