World Bee Day

World Bee Day History

World Bee Day is a global event that brings awareness to the role bees play in sustaining our ecosystem and maintaining our food supply. As bee populations around the world decline, this observance highlights the importance of addressing the threats that these vital insects face. As a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, Australia recognises the importance of pollinators in supporting both food security and flourishing biodiversity. Observing World Bee Day offers Australians an opportunity to learn more about the unique circumstances of the native bee species and foster a deeper connection to the environment.

Established in 2018 by the United Nations, World Bee Day was proposed by Slovenia, a country rich in beekeeping tradition. This day was selected to mark the birth of Anton Janša, a Slovenian beekeeper regarded as a pioneer of modern beekeeping. World Bee Day serves to draw attention to the importance of preserving bees and other pollinators, the challenges they face, and the steps we can take to protect their habitats. Key events held during this time include educational workshops, exhibitions, and community bee-friendly planting initiatives.

Each year, World Bee Day is observed on May 20, providing an opportunity for Australians to celebrate native bees and other pollinators through local events. These events encourage the adoption of sustainable practices to provide pollinators with a safe environment, ensuring that bees continue to contribute to a healthier planet.

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.
• The Australian honey industry produces around 20,000 tonnes of honey each year, with eucalyptus honey being one of the most popular varieties.
• The Tasmanian giant honeybee is one of the largest species of honeybees in the world and is unique to Australia.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Bee Day

Top things to do in Australia 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 a movie about bees in Australia. Here are our top picks:
  1. More Than Honey (2012) - Directed by Markus Imhoof, this documentary explores the complex world of bees and the effects of colony collapse disorder on bees in Australia.
  2. Honey Bee Blues (2009) - This Australian documentary by Stefan Moore investigates the challenges faced by the honeybee industry and what's causing the bee population decline in Australia.
  3. Silence of the Bees (2007) - This episode of the PBS series "Nature" explores the issue of bee colony collapse disorder in Australia, seeking to understand its causes and potential solutions.
• Take a trip to the zoo or your local garden today. On World Bee Day, zoos or botanical gardens often host presentations about bee species, native bees in Australia, their role in the ecosystem, and what humans can do to protect them.