Martina Harrison on LinkedIn: #worldbeeday #worldbeeday #bees (2025)

**Celebrating World Bee Day: Honoring the Tiny Heroes of Our Ecosystem**On May 20th, we celebrate World Bee Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the incredible contributions of bees to our world. These tiny heroes play a pivotal role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems, ensuring food security, and supporting biodiversity. As we take a moment to honor bees, let’s delve into their fascinating world and understand why their protection is crucial for our planet's future.### The Buzz About BeesBees are more than just honey producers; they are master pollinators. Pollination is essential for the reproduction of nearly 90% of the world’s flowering plant species, including a significant portion of the crops we rely on for food. Without bees, our plates would look vastly different, with many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts disappearing.### The Importance of Bees in AgricultureBees contribute to the production of one-third of the food we consume. From apples and almonds to coffee and cotton, their pollination efforts are indispensable. In economic terms, bees add billions of dollars to global agriculture each year, making them critical not only for ecological balance but also for economic stability.### The Threats Facing BeesDespite their importance, bees are facing unprecedented challenges. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases are leading to alarming declines in bee populations worldwide. The phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has decimated bee colonies, raising concerns about the sustainability of pollinator services.### How We Can HelpProtecting bees is a collective responsibility. Here are some ways we can contribute to their conservation:1. **Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens**: Cultivate a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen.2. **Avoid Pesticides**: Use natural pest control methods to minimize harm to bees and other beneficial insects.3. **Support Sustainable Agriculture**: Purchase organic and locally-grown produce to support farming practices that are friendly to pollinators.4. **Create Habitats**: Leave patches of natural habitat in your garden or community spaces to provide nesting sites for wild bees.5. **Raise Awareness**: Educate others about the importance of bees and advocate for policies that protect their habitats.### Celebrating World Bee DayOn World Bee Day, let’s celebrate these industrious insects and reflect on their crucial role in our lives. Participate in local events, join conservation efforts, or simply spend time observing bees in your garden. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of bees, we can work together to ensure their survival and the health of our planet.As we honor bees today, let’s commit to actions that support their well-being and, by extension, our own. Happy World Bee Day! 🐝🌸

6

Happy World 🐝 BEEDAY!!!!Today we celebrate little fuzzballs and F16 hornets that we love to think are cute but sometimes also annoy, put the fear of God into us etc! Yet despite all their shapes and colours Bees do an amazing job. These small, industrious creatures are essential to our planet's biodiversity and climate stability. 🐝Bees are incredible pollinators responsible for pollinating about 75% the planet's flowering plants and 35% global food crops. This means 1 out of 3 bites of food we eat depends on bees and other pollinators. Without them, our diets would be much less diverse and nutritious. (https://lnkd.in/eCbjMDjv)🐝Bees contribute significantly to biodiversity by pollinating a wide variety of plants. They help maintain and support the growth of countless ecosystems. This diversity of plant life is crucial for providing habitats for other wildlife, maintaining soil health, and regulating the water cycle.🐝They also play a role in climate regulation. Plants that rely on bee pollination absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, healthy ecosystems, supported by bees, are more resilient to climate extremes and other environmental changes. There really is no 🌍 Planet 🐝 Bee!🐝🐝🐝🐝Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers and Trees that are native and bloom at different times of the year. They provide the best nutrition for local bee speciesand are well-adapted to local conditions. (https://lnkd.in/eyhG8AxN)🐝Neonicotinoids are toxic to bees. By ideally eliminating the use of all chemicals/pesticides in our gardens, farms, and public spaces, we provide a healthy and safer bee environment – research organic or natural pest control methods. (https://lnkd.in/ertnHAAq)🐝Local Beekeepers often use more bee-friendly methods and avoid chemicals where possible. Buy your honey from local beekeepers so local populations are managed responsibly.🐝Heard of No Mow May? David Attenborough is now advocating no mow till July! Bees need safe habitats to survive and thrive. So leaving as much of our garden wild, installing bee hotels, and preserving natural habitats help provide nesting sites and protect them from environmental stressors (https://lnkd.in/ekKT2Gmw)🐝Protect the bee! Like I am doing today let's raise awareness and support policies that protect bees and their habitats. Advocate for legislation that reduces pesticide use, promotes sustainable agriculture, and protects natural habitats. (https://lnkd.in/eJpjWc7a)So we really cannot live without bees for our planet and our own survival.And of course after the letter B (bee) 🐝 comes the letter C (sea) 🌊 so we should always remember everything is connected 😉

84

4 Comments

🐝🌍 Happy World Bee Day! 🌍🐝Today, we celebrate the incredible buzzing heroes of our ecosystem - the bees! 🐝✨ These tiny creatures play a significant role in sustaining life on our planet through their exceptional talent for pollination. On this special day, let's take a moment to appreciate the importance of bees and explore ways we can protect and preserve their populations.Did you know that bees are responsible for pollinating nearly 75% of the world's flowering plants? This astonishing fact highlights their essential role in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Without bees, many of our favorite foods would cease to exist! 🍎🥝🌼Bees are diligent workers, tirelessly collecting nectar and pollen as they flutter from flower to flower. Their efforts inadvertently transfer pollen, facilitating the fertilization process and enabling plants to reproduce. This intimate dance between bees and flowers is an intricate ecological partnership that sustains entire ecosystems.However, bee populations worldwide are facing a multitude of challenges. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases have taken a toll on bee populations, leading to a decline in their numbers. It is imperative that we take action to protect and preserve these vital pollinators.So, what can we do to support our buzzing friends? 🌺🐝 Here are a few simple steps we can take:1. Plant bee-friendly flowers: Create bee-friendly gardens by planting a variety of native flowers that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year. This helps sustain bees during different seasons.2. Avoid pesticide use: Opt for organic and bee-friendly methods of pest control in your gardens and yards. Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects.3. Provide bee habitats: Build or install bee houses and nesting sites, such as bee hotels or hollow wood blocks, to provide safe shelters for solitary bees.4. Support local beekeepers: Buy honey and other bee-related products from local beekeepers, supporting their efforts to maintain healthy bee colonies and sustainable practices.5. Spread awareness: Educate others about the importance of bees and their impact on our food system. Encourage friends and family to take action and make bee-friendly choices.By implementing these small changes in our lives, we can collectively make a big difference in safeguarding bee populations and preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem.Today, on World Bee Day, let's stand together to protect and honor these incredible pollinators who tirelessly work for the benefit of nature and humankind. Join the global effort to raise awareness, inspire action, and ensure a thriving future for our beloved bees!🌼🐝🌍 #WorldBeeDay #SaveTheBees #BeeHeroes

13

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with sweetness, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to nature? Look no further than the captivating world of beekeeping! 🐝Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is not merely a hobby; it's a fascinating and rewarding endeavor that has been practiced for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to modern-day apiarists, the art of beekeeping has evolved, but its essence remains unchanged: the nurturing and care of these remarkable pollinators.So, what makes beekeeping such a compelling pursuit?First and foremost, bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem as pollinators. They tirelessly shuttle from flower to flower, transferring pollen grains and facilitating the reproduction of countless plant species, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we rely on for sustenance. In fact, it's estimated that one-third of the world's food crops depend on pollination by bees!Beyond their ecological importance, bees also produce one of nature's most cherished gifts: honey. 🍯 The process of honey production is a marvel of teamwork and precision within the hive. Worker bees collect nectar from flowers, which they then enzymatically convert into honey through a process of regurgitation and evaporation. The result? A golden elixir bursting with flavor and nutritional benefits, cherished by humans for millennia.But beekeeping isn't just about harvesting honey; it's about fostering a symbiotic relationship with these incredible insects. Beekeepers become stewards of their colonies, providing them with shelter, and protection from pests and diseases, and ensuring they have access to ample forage. In return, bees reward their keepers with not only honey but also beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly—each with its own array of uses and benefits.Moreover, beekeeping offers a profound connection to the natural world. Tending to beehives requires mindfulness, patience, and a keen understanding of bee behavior. As beekeepers observe their colonies' rhythms and cycles, they develop a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.But perhaps the most magical aspect of beekeeping is the sense of wonder it inspires. Opening a hive and witnessing thousands of bees bustling about their work is an experience like no other. It's a reminder of the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world, and it fills the soul with awe and reverence.Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or a curious novice, there's always more to learn and discover in the world of apiculture. So why not take the plunge and join the ranks of bee enthusiasts worldwide? Your journey into beekeeping promises to be as enriching as the honey that flows from the hive. #beekeeping #sustainability #natureconnection #beenethusiast🌺🐝✨

7

1 Comment

I spy with my little eye something black and yellow.Of course...It’s a bee!🐝Ahead of World Bee Day on 20 May, this Friday Find will be about bees! 🐝Bee basics-20,000 bee species-They work hard - some, up to 12 hours a day-Life span: spring/summer-born bees around 6 weeks. Autumn-born bees can make it up to 4-6 months-The queen bee lives anywhere between 1-5 years!-Bees who are on pollinating duty are attracted by the plants’ nectar. They then collect pollen when they’ve reached the flower-The nectar is for them to eat, the pollen is used by the queen to lay eggs💡Did you know?-The only place without bees is Antarctica!💪Power of bees-More than 75% of global crops depend on pollination -to different extents- from bees and other pollinators. Think berries, apples, nuts, cauliflower, celery, peppers and also coffee!-Honeybees pollinate 80% of flowering plants-Bees help flowers reproduce at a fast rate-More plants = more diverse ecosystem, healthy soil and the roots hold the soil together-Bees give us some of their powerful commodities -honey and propolis-🍯👏👉Carbon sequestration-So, more bees = more flowers. Grassland flowers have deep roots into the soil and store carbon there-Even a fire can’t unlock this carbon, and remains safely underground👉But climate change endangers bees-Climate change = decline in plant population and variety. Bees need options-Certain bees work with a full variety, others need specific plant species-Less variety of plants = less availability for bees to feed on-A higher temperature = earlier bloom and for a shorter time. But bees work to a specific pattern and timing-Climate change can spread disease, parasites & other dangers - think mites, but also hornets (start nesting earlier = larger nests & milder winters = more survive…)-Human impact endangers bees; the active removal of our biodiverse nature all over the world - felling, logging, clearing, burning…💪What is happening to help bees?-A huge research project was published by Nature - on the impact of changing weather patterns on honeybees-Studies are conducted to see what is happening to changes in plant blooms and how this mismatches with bee behaviour-Beekeeping support and training to protect the hives from changing weather and diseases/parasites-Education for young people on the importance of bees and other pollinators = theme for World Bee Day this year!🙌What can we do?-Plant native wildflowers - even on your balcony!-Create a bee-water station! (with a bowl, stones and water)-Buy local raw honey-Support brands that help bees-Donate for bees and/or sponsor a hive💡Bees are the pollinator mascot, but other insects pollinate too, of course 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒(Sources: Beepods, Best Bees, Buzz About Bees, WWF, Ecrotek, Yale Climate Connections, Nature, Our World in Data, USDA, Gardeners World, UN)Happy Friday!#bees #worldbeeday

5

2 Comments

Warning: this post might ruin your view of landscapes 😬 The Netherlands is full of grasslands but almost none of them can be counted as nature. Most of these grasslands are a specific variety called ‘perennial ryegrass’. This type of grass grows fast and has a lot of nutrients for the cows. But they grow in huge monocultures that lack any kind of biodiversity. Often they require a lot of fertilizer and damage the soil.To insects and birds, a grassland like this is a green desert (the same is true for those ‘perfect’ lawns). So while most grasslands for cows look green, they are not nature but industrial parks that produce milk and beef.Sometimes I wish that I could ‘unsee’ this. Because now every train ride, hike, or bike trip through the Netherlands is a painful confrontation with all those ‘green deserts’. Farmer Jan Huigen calls this ‘landscape pain’.At the same time, it has also given me more appreciation for small things. Yesterday I walked through town and saw a bit of grassland full of wild grasses and flowers. These small patches of wilderness have become beautiful to me.The type of grassland on the right has a lot of value for biodiversity: it’s a diversity of herbs, grasses, and flowers. In some cases, a grassland is even better for biodiversity than a forest. And to prevent grasslands from turning into forests you need big grazers, which means that cows can play a role in helping to maintain healthy grasslands.So why don’t we have more grasslands like the one on the right? Because they ‘produce’ less milk. You would have fewer cows on this land and the cows would also give less milk. The cows themselves would be healthier but we all know that’s not a top priority in our current system.There is a role for cows in a sustainable food system, as long as we make their role of ‘managing grasslands’ more important than getting beef and milk.What can you do? Make beef and dairy a luxury product. Keep in mind that this beneficial role that cows can have for biodiversity is often used as an excuse to keep eating lots of beef and dairy. But grass-fed cows don’t have a lower climate impact. We will share that infographic in next week’s newsletter [sign up on the website].-----🙋♂️ I share facts about climate change and food. Follow me and join my exploration for a sustainable version of 'The Good Life‘.📱 If you want to get more facts about the impact of our food (and recipes), download the Fork Ranger app in the Google Play or App Store. #grassfed #sustainablefoodsystems #grasslands

1,044

70 Comments

One of every three bites of food eaten worldwide depends on pollinators, especially bees, for a successful harvest. Bees and other pollinators affect 35% of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide.Plants and insects often serve as the foundation of healthy ecosystems, so when landscapes begin to regain ecosystem diversity, other creatures will also come back: birds, lizards, snakes, and frogs — which all feed on insects. Unfortunately, over the past decade alone, beekeepers in the US and Europe have reported annual bee colony losses of 30% to 50%.The primary parasite that’s wiping out honeybee populations is the “Varroa destructor.” This deadly mite affects most honeybee colonies in the US and is the main cause of the 45.5% loss rate in 2021.This is a huge cause for concern because bees contribute greatly to human wellbeing and the protection of our environment in the following ways;Beehives are a great model for social cooperation.Bees are critical to our food systems.Bees are the front lines in the battle against climate change.Healthy bee populations help promote biodiversity.Pests and pesticides are making things worse.If the quest to repair our crippling biodiversity will stand a chance, a huge turnaround of events should be priority. We're still a long way off but efforts deserve commendation. In partnership with Bee Downtown and the RTP Foundation, Cisco installed three hand-painted beehives near its campus in North Carolina, which are now home to over 100,000 honeybees.Projects like these, spread hope, if they can do it, we all can too.Pests and pesticides are making things worse.If the quest to repair our crippling biodiversity will stand a chance, a huge turnaround of events should be priority. We're still a long way off but efforts deserve commendation. In partnership with Bee Downtown and the RTP Foundation, Cisco installed three hand-painted beehives near its campus in North Carolina, which are now home to over 100,000 honeybees.Projects like these, spread hope, if they can do it, we all can too.#Sustainability #Sustainable #Sustainableliving #environment #reuse #gogreen #recycling #recycle #Renewableenergy #climateaction #circulareconomy #eco #plasticfree #zerowaste #earth#sustainablebusiness #sustainabledevelopment #sustainablefinance #eco #sustainable #sdg #sdgs #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #innovation #technology #ActonClimate #Sustainability #cleanenergy #Renewableenergy #solarpower #windenergy #cleanenergy #recycling #upcycling #ecofriendly #reusability #repairability #ActionNow #globalwarming #savetheplanet #togetherforourclimate #climateaction #climateemergency

1

National Honeybee Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the crucial role honeybees play in our environment. 🌿🐝 These remarkable insects not only enhance crop yields but also support biodiversity, contributing significantly to the health of our ecosystems. Learn how you can make a difference by implementing practical steps to support honeybee populations in your area. From creating bee-friendly habitats to reducing pesticide use, every action counts. Discover more about how we can collectively work towards a healthier environment and ensure the continued vitality of these essential pollinators. 1. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Grow a variety of nectar-rich plants and flowers that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for bees. Examples include lavender, sunflowers, and daisies. 2. Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides: Reduce or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in your garden and lawn. Opt for organic or natural alternatives to protect bees from pesticide poisoning. 3. Create Bee Habitats: Provide bee-friendly environments by including features like bee hotels, nesting sites, and a water source. Native plants and wildflowers can also support local bee populations. 4. Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers. This helps support their efforts and ensures you’re getting high-quality, sustainable products. 5. Educate and Advocate: Share information about the importance of honeybees with your community. Advocate for policies and practices that protect pollinators and their habitats. 6. Participate in or Support Pollinator Conservation Programs: Engage with or donate to organizations focused on bee conservation and pollinator health. Programs and initiatives that work to protect and restore bee populations can benefit from community support. 7. Build a Bee-Friendly Garden: Design your garden to include a mix of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that attract and support bees. Avoid monocultures and provide shelter such as wildflower meadows or unmown areas. 8. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the issues facing honeybees and share this knowledge with others. Understanding the challenges and solutions can help foster a greater commitment to bee protection. #BeeProtection #HoneybeeAwareness #EnvironmentalImpact #Sustainability #BoyScouts

3

Each year, on the 20th of May, it is celebrated the #WorldBeeDay! 🐝Bees, and other pollinating insects, play an essential role in supporting global agriculture and food supply, as well as being extremely cute 😍 The video below shows an Apis mellifera L. in action at the #OuseburnFarm in Newcastle upon Tyne ✨Why are bees so important? 🤔According to Khalifa et al. (2021) [i] “Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is the main species responsible for bee pollination worldwide and meets, for instance, 34% of pollination service demands in the United Kingdom”. To put this into more financial terms, the UK Government (2020) estimated that the economic value of pollinator services to crop production amounts to £600m every year [ii]. It is easily understandable at this point that if bee species would disappear from the Earth, the consequences to food production, security and national economy would be significant 😰Why are they declining? 😞The top 3 main factors contributing to bee species decline are:1. Habitat loss and fragmentation - Destruction of natural habitats, such as wildflower meadows and hedgerows, reduces the availability of food and nesting sites for bees;2. Pesticides - The use of harmful pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, have detrimental effects on bee populations by impacting their health and ability to forage.3. Climate change - Changes in climate patterns, such as extreme weather events and changings in flowering seasons, can disrupt the life-cycle of pollinators as well as impacting their food sources.What can be done to support them? 🧐The World Wildlife Fund (aka WWF) [iii], condensed what we can do to help bees in simple 4 points:1. Bees are attracted to classic cottage garden blooms and indigenous wildflowers, such as primroses, buddleias, and marigolds. Consider having these in your garden;2. When you see a bee laying on the ground, help her with water & white sugar mix (no honey!);3. Help tracking populations via bee identification keys and other useful tools (such as the FIT Count);4. Reduce honey consumption, and make sure that what you still eat comes from local and sustainable beekeepers.Remember, every small action counts in safeguarding the well-being of bees and the ecosystems they support 💪References:i. Khalifa et al. (2021) - Overview of Bee Pollination and Its Economic Value for Crop Production - PMC (nih.gov);ii. UK Government (2020) - Defra launches the Healthy Bees Plan 2030 to help protect honey bees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk);iii. WWF - Our tips on how to bee friendly | WWF#Bees #Pollinators #Environment #Pollination

29

Millions have celebrated Valentine’s Day with beautiful roses – many coming from commercial flower farms dotting the shorelines of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. It's a freshwater Lake hunted down by tourists gasping at the lumbering hippos and majestic African eagles, which provides water to local communities and major businesses. It’s also an important site designated by the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of international significance, and the wider catchment is an significant sourcing area for food sold in the UK, which is why WRAP - working with WWF-UK WWF-Kenya, several UK retailers and fresh veg & flower companies - puts Lake Naivasha up the priority list for collective action projects. These projects will help them meet ambitious commitments to source at least half of all fresh food and drink from sustainably managed water catchments, under the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap. That's key – companies supporting collective action at the water catchment level. Water resources must be approached in that systemic way – water is only ever as good as the worst user or abuser. The project has four objectives to build more sustainable water management, bringing together Kenya’s Water Resources Authority, WWF-Kenya and the local community under the Lake NaivashaBasin UmbrellaWater Resource Users Association Enock Ole Kiminta together with the flower farms’ association-Lake Naivasha Growers’ Group. Data is king – enabling people to track the quality and quantity of water and so direct interventions. Enter citizen science. Communities have been trained as first line scientists to test the water and report results. This data, combined with that from government monitoring sites and flower farms testing their wastewater, helps the Government’s Water Resource Authority direct attention to the key pressure points. We also focus on abstraction (ensuring people are only taking what is fair, and encouraging measures like planting trees and rainwater harvesting to increase supply) and dealing with wastewater. Do get in touch to find out more and help us cherish the world’s freshwater lakes and rivers at the heart of our food system. https://lnkd.in/ed9himgm

33