World Bee Day

Description :

World Bee Day is celebrated on the 20th of May every year, and this day is an international day. Bees are some of the most important pollinators in the world, because they are ensuring food and food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. Also, bees are giving significantly contribute to the conservation of our environment and the mitigation of climate change on our planet. 

The purpose of World Bee Day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem. People are reminded of the significance of bees in providing for the needs of humanity every year on this day. Also, this day will be reminded the global public about the importance of preserving honey bees and all other pollinators.

Slovenian Anton Janša was born on May 20th, 1734. He was the pioneer of beekeeping. His birthday was declared as World Bee Day at the request of Slovenian beekeepers. Slovenia produces gourmet honey. Their unofficial motto is “Land of the Good Beekeepers“. The idea of World Bee Day was conceived in the mind of Slovenian beekeeper Bostjan Noc on September 15th, 2014 while he was driving to work at the Slovenian Beekeeper’s Association, because bees are increasingly endangered and almost no longer able to survive without human interventions and support.

Slovenia proposed that the United Nations proclaim 20th May as World Bee Day. A resolution was adopted by the United Nations Economic and Financial Committee to declare World Bee Day on November 17th, 2017. Then, the United Nations Member States approved Slovenia’s proposal to proclaim 20th May as World Bee Day on December 20th, 2017.

Beekeeping is a widespread and global activity. Millions of beekeepers are depending on bees for their livelihoods. In the long term, it helps reduce poverty and hunger. Also, bees help to maintain a healthy environment by ensuring the survival and reproduction of many plants, supporting forest regeneration, and improving the quantity and quality of agricultural production.