Step 4: Bring Back The Buzz
Bees are under significant threat due to the widespread use of pesticides and the impacts of climate change. Pesticides harm bees’ nervous systems, leading to disorientation and even death. Climate change exacerbates these threats by altering blooming times and reducing the availability of flowers, disrupting bees’ feeding and pollination patterns. This decline in bee populations is alarming, as almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of leading global crops depend on animal pollination. Pollinators like bees are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security, making their conservation vital for ecological health and human agriculture.
However, there are lots of projects across the world that are helping bring back pollinators. One great example is the Elephant and Bees Project in Kenya. They use beehive fences – a natural deterrent of elephants – to keep elephants off of farmland, reducing crop damage. This not only increases protected habitats for bees, but also helps educate farmers on the relationship between bees and crop health. The project supports increased bee populations and works in multiple countries throughout Africa.
Here are 3 steps you can take as an individual:
- Plant flowers. Plant flowers that provide food for pollinating insects such as Primrose, Lavender or Honeysuckle. It could be in a window box, garden or at work.
- Support policy. Support policy which bans the most damaging pollinator pesticides. Perhaps contact your local, or national, representative. The more your representative hears about climate issues the more they should be pushing for policy change. Elected officials are there to represent your interests.
- Go organic (again). When you can, choose organic, as pesticides are not allowed. Organic farms have 50% more plants, insects and wildlife. And go for local honey if you can!