Date: Saturday, 20 May 2023; 6th Anniversary.
Sponsor: United Nations
Objective: The World Bee Day is annually observed to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem, the threats they are facing, and their contribution to sustainable development.
Background:
Without bees and other pollinators, global food supply would be in serious trouble. Bees play an essential role for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species and more than 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.
The protection of bees can help reduce poverty and eliminate hunger, as well as preserve a healthy environment and biodiversity. Unfortunately, scientific studies have proven that bees and other pollinators are increasingly under threat from human activities. It is therefore necessary to ensure the protection of bees and their habitats.
Inception: It was officially held for the first time on 20 May 2018
On 17 November 2017, following three years of efforts at the international level, the UN’s Economic and Financial Committee adopted a resolution proclaiming 20 May as World Bee Day, which was proposed by Slovenia.
On 20 December 2017, the resolution (A/RES/72/211) was unanimously approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. It was supported by all UN states, while 115 countries also acted as co-sponsors.
The date was chosen since it is on this day when Slovenian Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734. Moreover, the month May is the best time for pollination in Northern Hemisphere and harvesting honey in Southern Hemisphere.
How to celebrate the Day
Learn, share, and actions!
Organizations and individuals can make efforts to host different educational and promotional events and activities to raise and spread awareness of the issues related to bees and beekeeping.
Annual theme in recent years:
2023 theme: “Bee Engaged in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production”.
2022 theme: “Bee Engaged: Celebrating the Diversity of Bees and Beekeeping Systems.”
2021 theme: “Bee Engaged – Build Back Better for Bees.”
2020 theme: “Save The Bees”.
Official websites:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day
https://worldbeeday.org/en/about/the-project.html
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