World Bee Day

World Bee Day History

World Bee Day is an observance dedicated to raising awareness about the role of bees and to celebrate their contribution to the global food chain. This day highlights the significance of protecting bees for the benefit of future generations, while bringing attention to the increasing threats faced by bees due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Initially proposed by Slovenia, this celebration was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The date chosen, May 20, pays tribute to the birthdate of Anton Janša, a pioneering 18th-century Slovenian apiculturist who is considered the father of modern beekeeping. This event reflects the collaborative efforts of governments, NGOs, and individuals to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields.

People in the United Kingdom and around the world participate in World Bee Day by attending conferences, community events, and educational programmes. Activities may include workshops on beekeeping, the planting of bee-friendly gardens, and advocacy initiatives to increase sustainable farming practices. World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20th each year to appreciate the indispensable role played by bees in our daily lives.

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.
• Around 80% of UK crops are pollinated by bees, and the economic value of their pollination services is estimated to be over £690 million per year.
• The United Kingdom is home to over 250 different species of bees, including solitary bees, bumblebees, and the famous honeybee.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Bee Day

Top things to do in the UK 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 the role of bees in the United Kingdom. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Wonderful World of Bees (2013) - This BBC documentary investigates the significance and complexities of the pollinating services that bees provide to the United Kingdom and the world.
  2. Inside the Hive: The Buzz About Bees (2009) - This National Geographic documentary provides insight into the lives and behaviors of bees and their vital role in pollinating plants in the UK and around the world.
  3. The Vanishing of the Bees (2009) - This documentary examines the phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disorder, which has led to a drastic decline in honeybee populations in the UK and other countries.
• Check out a local bee product showcases. Local markets and farms in the UK often host honey tastings and showcase various bee products like beeswax, propolis, and pollen on World Bee Day.