Bees are extremely important for our survival

Did you know that Slovenia is a nation of beekeepers? Every 200^th resident of Slovenia is a beekeeper!

It was announced by the UN General Assembly on December 20^th, 2017, at the initiative of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association with the help of the Republic of Slovenia.

Bees are extremely important for our survival.

They are pollinators, which means that they play an important role in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture.

This year’s central theme is Bee engaged with Youth.

This highlights the importance of involving youth with beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts.

This could create a new generation of environmental leaders who could change the world for the better.  

In the clubs under the guidance of mentors, young people explore the basics of beekeeping, learn about the connection between the environment and humans, and develop a love for nature.

The beekeeping clubs are in primary and secondary schools across Slovenia and work with different age groups.

Bees need clean air and water – a clean environment in general. If we preserve the environment and enable them to survive more easily, people will also live in a more beautiful and healthier environment.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food

On the occasion of this year’s bee festival, the Slovene Ministry of Agriculture awarded the Golden Bee award, and tomorrow they are co-organizing the international forum Bees for people, planet and peace.

However, bees should not have only one day a year.

With small actions, we can help save them on a daily basis:

• sow and plant honey plants,
• mow flowering plants after flowering,
• buy honey and other bee products from the nearest beekeepers,
• do not use pesticides harmful to bees, and
• preserve meadows with a large variety of plants.

Glossary

A forum is a public place where things are discussed and decided.

A pesticide is a chemical agent used to destroy insects or harmful plants.

Points to Consider

1. What is the bee called native to Slovenia?
2. What are honey plants?
3. How many bees live in one hive?

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The original version of this article was published on 21^st May.