We all love honey, but that might be the least of our problems.

We have been hearing about it for some time now: the global population of bees , which is perhaps the main natural pollinator of our ecosystem, is facing a serious risk of expansion.

This phenomenon poses a threat not only to biodiversity, but also to food security and the global economy. Therefore, in this article, we have decided to analyze the causes of this crisis, the consequences for our environment, and what institutions, companies, small-scale beekeepers, and citizens can do.

Data on the Decline of Bees

Let's start with some data:

Italy : According to a study conducted by the National Honey Observatory, bee populations in Italy have declined by 30% over the past ten years. This decline is primarily attributed to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change.

World : Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reported that approximately 40% of pollinator species, particularly bees and butterflies, are at risk of extinction. In the United States, for example, honeybee populations have declined by 60% since 1947 ( see article here ).

The Causes of the Bee Decline

What is threatening these insects with extinction?

1. Pesticides : The extensive use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, is a major cause of the decline in bee populations. These chemicals act on the insects' nervous systems, causing disorientation and death.

2. Habitat Loss : Urban sprawl and intensive agriculture have drastically reduced bees' natural habitats. Monoculture limits the variety of plants from which they can derive food.

3. Climate Change : Climate changes alter plant flowering times and bee activity seasons, creating mismatches that can be fatal to populations.

4. Parasites and Diseases : Parasites such as Varroa destructor and diseases such as Nosema are devastating to colonies. These problems are often exacerbated by bee weakness due to other stressors.

Types of Bees at Risk of Extinction

1. Apis mellifera (European honeybee) : The best-known species, used for honey production. It is highly vulnerable to pesticides, parasites, and diseases.
   
   Bombus spp. (Bumblebees) : Essential for the pollination of wild plants and crops. Many bumblebee species are rapidly declining due to habitat loss and climate change.
   
   
2. Apis cerana (Asiatic honeybee) : Important in Asia for pollination and honey production. It is threatened by environmental changes and competition with introduced species.
   
   
3. Apis dorsata (Giant Honeybee) : Another Asian species that is suffering due to deforestation and pesticide use.

Plants that Help Protect Bees

To help bees, it's essential to plant species that provide food year-round. Here are some plants that can be grown in gardens, parks, and agricultural areas to support their populations:

1. Spring :
   • Salvia pratensis (Meadow Sage) : It flowers in spring and attracts many species of bees.
   • Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) : A source of nectar and early pollen.
2. Summer :
   • Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) : Highly appreciated for its abundant nectar.
   • Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) : Offers an abundant source of nectar and pollen.
3. Fall :
   • Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) : Blooms until autumn and provides pollen and nectar.
   • Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea) : Blooms late and provides vital resources.

Consequences of the Extinction of Bees

Bees are responsible for pollinating approximately 75% of food crops globally. Their disappearance would have serious consequences:

1. Reduced Agricultural Production : Many crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, depend on natural pollination. Without it, crop yields would decline dramatically. According to an FAO study, the absence of pollinators could reduce global food crop production by more than 35%.

2. Loss of Biodiversity : Bees also pollinate wild plants, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and balanced ecosystems. Their disappearance could lead to the loss of many plant and animal species, destabilizing ecosystems.

3. Economic Impact : Bee pollination contributes billions of dollars to the global economy. A study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that bee pollination is worth approximately $15 billion annually in the United States alone. Their loss would have serious economic consequences, affecting farmers and the food industry.

4. Food Security : Decreased agricultural production could lead to increased food shortages, rising prices, and global food insecurity. Crops such as apples, almonds, strawberries, and many vegetables would be significantly affected, with repercussions on human diets and nutrition.

What Institutions Can Do

1. Regulate Pesticides : Governments must adopt stricter regulations on pesticide use, limiting or banning those most harmful to bees. For example, the European Union banned the use of several neonicotinoids in 2018, a measure that has shown positive signs of recovery in bee populations in some regions.

2. Habitat Protection : Policies for the conservation of natural habitats and the creation of new urban green spaces must be implemented. In Italy, the "BeeNet" project aims to monitor and improve bee health through the creation of networks of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

3. Research Funding : Support research into environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides and new solutions for combating bee parasites and diseases. In Germany, for example, the "National Bee Program" funds research projects on bee health and pollinator ecology.

The Role of Companies

1. Sustainable Agriculture : Farms can adopt sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and the use of natural pesticides. For example, the British supermarket chain Waitrose has implemented sustainable farming practices and created pollinator habitats on its farms.

2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects : Invest in projects that promote biodiversity and bee protection, such as establishing corporate apiaries. Cosmetics giant Burt's Bees, for example, funds bee conservation projects and wildflower plantations.

3. Education and Awareness : Companies can use their platforms to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of bees and how to protect them. Unilever, with its Lipton brand, has launched awareness campaigns on the importance of bees to the ecosystem.

The Contribution of Small Beekeepers

Supporting small beekeepers by choosing their organic, artisanal honey over industrial honey is one of the easiest and most impactful actions we can implement, as they often adopt sustainable production cycles that favor the conservation of pollinators:

1. Sustainable Apiary Management : Use sustainable beekeeping techniques to reduce stress on bee colonies. Small-scale beekeepers can adopt practices such as breeding pest-resistant bees and using organic treatments.

2. Crop Diversification : Planting a variety of flowers and honey plants to provide a continuous food source for bees. In Italy, many beekeepers collaborate with local farmers to promote the cultivation of honey plants.

3. Participation in Conservation Programs : Collaborate with organizations and institutions to monitor and protect local bee populations. For example, the " Bee Life " project involves beekeepers from across Europe in monitoring and conservation initiatives.

We at Spilucco, always attentive to environmental issues, have chosen for our Online Shop only organic honeys , produced by beekeepers from the Pisan Mountains carefully selected for their implementation of procedures aimed at caring for and respecting bees and for their contribution to the generation of virtuous ecosystems, such as Apicoltura Regina di Noce and Selva Mimosa .

How Individual Citizens Can Help

1. Create Bee-Friendly Gardens : Plant insect-attracting flowers and plants in your home gardens and balconies. Leave a section of your garden untended, without pruning or mowing, to allow plants to complete their life cycle and biodiversity to replenish itself.
2. Avoid Chemical Pesticides : Use natural methods for pest control in your home's green areas.
3. Support Local Products : Purchase honey and other bee products from local beekeepers to support sustainable beekeeping practices.
4. Education and Advocacy : Educate yourself and others about the importance of bees, participate in petitions and movements for their protection. In France, a crowdfunding campaign has funded the creation of more than 100,000 square meters of bee habitat.

Conclusion

Protecting bees is a collective responsibility that requires concerted action from institutions, businesses, beekeepers, and citizens. Only through joint efforts can we hope to reverse the decline of bee populations and ensure a sustainable future for our planet. We are all called upon to do our part to save these small, yet crucial, protagonists of our ecosystem.