We all know how important bees are in our ecosystem, but do we really know why?
In this article, we'll explore why bees are so essential to our environment and how we can help protect them.
Pollination - the key to our environment
The reason for the extreme importance of bees can be found in a single word:pollination
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), "about 75% of the world's fruit and seed production for human consumption depends on bees. Without pollination, many foods such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries, etc. would not reach our tables."
In this way, bees and other pollinators have the task of transporting pollen from one flower to another, which enables fertilisation and the continuous production of fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants.
Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Impact
Bees are essential for biodiversity, playing a crucial role in the food chain. By pollinating plants that directly feed humans, they also contribute to the production of food for other animals, thus ensuring the balance of ecosystems.
In addition to their environmental importance, bees also have a significant impact on economic sustainability.
It is estimated that the number of agricultural crops that depend on pollinators has tripled in recent years. Bees not only help increase production, but also improve the quality of crops and strengthen their resistance to pests, which has a significant impact on the economy.
Plants that depend on pollination are an important source of income for many farmers. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity (IPBES), the annual production of food dependent on pollination ranges from 235 to 577 billion dollars globally.
In Europe, it is estimated that bees contribute 22 billion euros a year to agriculture, pollinating more than 80% of crops. They also guarantee the supply of important products such as honey, pollen, wax, propolis and royal jelly, which are fundamental to beekeeping and various industries.
The Threat to Bees
The big problem is that bees are gradually disappearingand jeopardising the fragile balance of ecosystems. According to the information contained in the IPBES study, "9% of Europe's bee and butterfly species are threatened, with a decline of 37% in bee species and 31% in butterfly species. Among the most frequent threats are those associated with human activity:
- Environmental pollution;
- Intensive farming;
- Invasive species and diseases;
- Changes in land use.
This decline poses a threat not only to bees, but also to all of us. Without bees, our food security and the health of ecosystems are at risk.
How can we help?
The good news is that we can all contribute to protecting bees. Here are some ways to do it:
- Planting native flowers;
- Avoid Pesticides;
- Create Habitat;
- Supporting local beekeepers.
At Mel Pirata, our mission is to protect bees! Our commitment to practices that support bee health, biodiversity and environmental sustainability guides our business and is of the utmost importance to us.
Through our approach, we hope to inspire others to recognise and value the important role of bees in our world.
We are proud to be part of this process, contributing to a greener and better world. Join us in this mission!
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