Author: Kim Schlechtriem
Publication date: 23.04.2024
Whether you have heard about it in the media, from friends or family, or maybe you have even seen ‘’Bee Movie’’, it is globally known that bees are important to people, the environment, and thus the planet. In this article we will be going more into depth of why bees are so essential and which effects they have on everyone and everything around us.
Function of bees
Us people do not only love bees because they make delicious honey. Bees actually play a very big part in our actual existence. They are a part of the biodiversity which we all depend on. Besides honey, they provide royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, propolis and honey bee venom. Let’s first focus on what the bees are most well-known for: pollen.
Pollination
A very important function bees serve and a very widely known one is their role as pollinators. Pollination stands as the single most crucial agricultural factor influencing crop yields on a global scale. They contribute more than any other agricultural practice. Across the world, 3 out of 4 crops depend on bees as pollinators. Next to that, more than one third of the world’s agricultural land is affected by pollinators.
Economy
The industry of beekeeping, apiculture, involves the care of bees to be able to provide honey and beeswax. Each of the products bees create have a big function. Beeswax is often used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The popular product honey is consumed by us as a natural sweetener, as well as used pharmaceutically as it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial. Other products are pollen, which serves as a dietary supplement. Also royal jelly, which finds utility in both the medical field and as a holistic solution for combating viral infections. This shows that fewer bees not only brings the beekeeping industry in danger, but also workers in pharmaceutical, dietary, cosmetic, and other sectors.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety and difference in species living on our dear planet. They have certain geographical areas and are crucial to a healthy ecosystem. Ecosystems are essential to vital resources, such as the air we breathe and food we consume. Bees play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. By transporting pollen and fertilizing many plants and trees, they improve the diversity of plant species. This impacts the variety of insects and animals in a given ecosystem. It also impacts the growth of fruit and healthy forests and woodland areas.
Nature’s health
Populations of bees provide us with vital clues about the state of health in a certain area of nature. Whatever affects bees, will affect other species of insects and subsequently the large ecosystem. By studying bee populations, we can get a good understanding of the environmental health of that area. Also bee products, such as bee honey, pollen and wax, can be studied to reveal information of factors such as air pollution and other critical health factors of an area.
Bees in danger
Unfortunately, the bees are in danger due to certain human activity. Over the last decades, global bee populations have declined due to habitat destruction, intensified agricultural methods, shifting weather patterns, and the extensive application of agrochemicals such as pesticides. Also air pollution is affecting the bees, as the pollutants interact with plants’ scent molecules which bees need for locating them. This causes bees to be slower and less effective at pollinating.
You can make a difference
There are multiple things we can do to save the bees from declining. Buying honey from local beekeepers supports beekeeping and eventually increases the number of bees. Plant nectar-bearing flowers on your balcony, terrace, rooftop or garden. Besides having beautiful decorative flowers, they serve as a purpose for the bees. In addition, you can help preserve old meadows as they feature a diverse array of flowers and nectar bearing plants. And if you choose to use pesticides, use a pesticide that does not harm bees. Preferably spray the pesticide in windless weather in the early morning or late night, when the bees are not active. You can also raise awareness by making bees a topic of conversation and encouraging people to help save the bees.
Conclusion
The bees have many purposes and serve as a big factor in our planet’s and kind’s healthy existence. Being aware of this is a very good first step. Being conscious and considerate in your decisions which can affect bee populations, is another. Save the bees and thus save ourselves and our dear planet.
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