Underscore the critical roles of bees and other pollinators in agrifood systems and the health of our planet’s ecosystems.

 

This year’s theme “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all” underscores the critical roles of bees and other pollinators in agrifood systems and the health of our planet’s ecosystems. From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, pollinators are the lifeline of agrifood systems, ensuring the reproduction of crops and wild plants alike. They are essential to the production of over 75 percent of crops globally, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. In fact, pollination increases not only the quantity, but also the quality and diversity of our food. Nature provides us with a remarkable blueprint for sustainability, and nowhere is this more evident than in the delicate balance between pollinators and their ecosystems. Bees are more than just pollinators – they are indicators of environmental health. Their behaviour and population trends offer insights into the climate and ecosystems. Yet, bees and other pollinators are under threat due to habitat destruction, unsustainable farming practices and climate change.

Agroecological practices such as intercropping, integrated pest management, and agroforestry are some of the means to address these constraints. The integration of these practices as along with several others that are pollinator friendly, into land management strategies, helps pollinators thrive, ensuring consistent crop yields and reducing the risk of food shortages. Initiatives to protect pollinators are being implemented worldwide, with countries like Slovenia and Ethiopia, for instance, developing and implementing innovative policies and grassroots initiatives. Slovenia has designated large areas of land for conservation, introduced bee-friendly agricultural practices, and launched educational campaigns such as interactive “Bee Paths” in urban areas. Similarly, Ethiopia is revitalizing traditional conservation methods, investing in sustainable beekeeping, and restoring ecosystems through its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted billions of trees to provide food and shelter for pollinators