INTERNATIONAL BEE DAY

World Bee Day is observed on 20th of May each year to draw attention to the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. We have been celebrating this day since 2018, thanks to the efforts of the Government of Slovenia with the support of Apimondia, which led the UN General Assembly to declare 20th of May as World Bee Day.

The president of the Grassroots Bee Keepers of Nigeria noted that our honey market alone is worth three billion naira annually; he also stated that the market for beekeeping and honey production is huge. The demand for organic honey and other bi-products is growing from cosmetics, medicine, confectioneries, and the pharmaceutical industries, to religious groups. There is a growing demand for organic honey which offers tremendous opportunity for rural farmers to contribute to the fight against poverty and hunger.

Do you know?

According to Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Nigerians consume 36.8 billion naira worth of honey annually and produce 15,000 tons locally. Bees are one of the world’s most important pollinators for food production and consumption. In fact, out of every three bites of food we consume relies on pollination, yet bee populations continue to decline due to the rampant use of pesticides and other environmental factors like climate change.

How can we do more as an individual in protecting the bees?

1. By protecting wild bee colonies when possible
2. By sustaining forest ecosystems such as afforestation and discouraging bush burning
3. By raising awareness.

World Bee Day 2024 highlights and celebrates the role of youth in beekeeping and pollinator conservation. This year’s theme emphasizes global cooperation to engage young individuals in protecting these vital species. By doing so, we safeguard food security, preserve agricultural livelihoods, and combat biodiversity loss.

Environmental and Economic Resource Centre as an Organization celebrates world bee day, because bee are important in the sustainability of food crops. Young beekeepers from around the world share their thoughts on the irreplaceable role of bees and emphasize their key role in reliable food production, connecting with nature and preserving life on Earth. Beekeeping is a source of inspiration to them, providing them relaxation and connections with other beekeepers.

“Bees gives the buzz, the honey and life – Protect a Bee today”