World Honeybee Day by J’Naye Charles

World Honeybee Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of August each year, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role honeybees play in our ecosystem and the challenges they face. This day was initiated by beekeepers in the United States in 2009 when it was officially petitioned to the USDA to become a recognized holiday, to promote the importance of beekeeping and the significance of honeybees in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity. Honeybees are essential pollinators, responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food we consume. Their pollination services are crucial for the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Without honeybees, the availability and diversity of fresh produce would decline, leading to a significant impact on food security and nutrition.
In addition to their role in agriculture, honeybees contribute to the health of wild ecosystems by maintaining the genetic diversity of plants through cross-pollination. However, honeybee populations are declining globally due to various factors, including exposure to certain pesticides, urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. Changes in temperature and weather patterns also affect the availability of flowers and alter the synchrony between bees and their food sources. Honeybees are susceptible to various diseases and parasites, such as the Varroa destructor mite, which weaken bee colonies and contribute to colony collapse disorder (CCD).
To celebrate World Honeybee Day, it is important to create habitats that provide diverse nectar and pollen sources, reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens, opt for organic or bee-safe alternatives, purchase honey and other hive products from local beekeepers, spread awareness about the importance of honeybees, and support policies and initiatives that protect bee habitats and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
In conclusion, World Honeybee Day is a crucial reminder of the need to protect honeybees and their habitats. By understanding their importance and taking collective action, we can help ensure the survival of these indispensable pollinators for future generations.
*Fun fact there are only eight recognized species of honeybee, with a total of 43 subspecies. Historically, 7 to 11 species have been recognized. Honeybees represent only a small fraction of the roughly 20,000 known species of bees, highlighting their unique importance.
      photos courtesy of beekeeper Nicole Browne