Honoring Bees and Biodiversity (Ep. 54)

This month, we’re abuzz with excitement as we celebrate two global events that highlight the vital role of pollinators and biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth. On May 20, World Bee Day reminds us to “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all,” emphasizing the critical contributions of bees to global food security and biodiversity. Just two days later, on May 22, the International Day for Biodiversity calls for “Harmony with nature and sustainable development,” urging us to protect the intricate web of life that supports our planet.

Good to know

Bees are considered “bioindicators” Their health and behavior can reveal the state of the environment, including the presence of pollutants or changes in biodiversity. This makes them not only essential pollinators but also critical for monitoring ecosystem health.

Transcript

Welcome to The Bee’s Knees, a podcast wild about native bees. Wild and native bees are under threat worldwide. In each episode we look at actionable things we can do to support these adorable little guys, whose pollination work is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. I’m Jacy Meyer and I thank you for being here.

Wild and native bees are in a precarious position—facing growing challenges that threaten their survival. But they are also powerful symbols of resilience and hope for biodiversity. Today, we’re going to celebrate the power of pollinators and biodiversity.

This month, we’ve got two global events that shine the spotlight on our buzzing friends and their critical role in the ecosystem: World Bee Day on May 20 and the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22.

This year’s theme for World Bee Day is: “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all.” It’s a perfect reminder of just how essential bees are—not only as pollinators of over 75% of the world’s crops but also as guardians of biodiversity and natural indicators of environmental health.

As you know, bees and other pollinators face threats like habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and pollution. These challenges are undermining global food security and risking the harmony of ecosystems. Yet, the solutions are within reach—and they start with how we care for nature.

Speaking of nature, this brings us to International Day for Biodiversity. This year’s theme, “Harmony with nature and sustainable development,” emphasizes the critical balance between thriving natural ecosystems and human well-being. Biodiversity is more than a list of species; it’s the living web that holds our planet together. Protecting it means protecting ourselves.

Let’s talk numbers for a second: more than 200,000 species serve as pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds and bats. Their work doesn’t just ensure the survival of plants and wildlife—it also drives global agriculture, from almonds and apples to chocolate and coffee. Losing pollinators would leave our plates and lives a whole lot emptier.

What’s striking is how these observances remind us to reflect on our daily choices and how they ripple through ecosystems. We talk about ways to support native bees in every episode, but let’s review some things we can easily do every day.

Plant native species: Even a small balcony garden can become a haven for pollinators with local flowers and shrubs.

Go pesticide-free: Skip harmful chemicals in your own outdoor spaces, and support organizations advocating for pesticide reduction.

Protect habitats: Whether it’s joining a local meadow restoration project or leaving a corner of your yard wild, it makes a difference.

Advocate for pollinator-friendly farming practices: Look for sustainably grown products and encourage broader awareness of agroecology and integrated pest management.

So, as we honor these two important days, I hope you’ll find your own ways to “bee inspired by nature” and create harmony with it. By taking even small steps, together we can sustain the delicate threads of biodiversity that hold our world in balance.

Thank you for buzzing by and letting me share these vital messages. Until next time, let’s keep pollinating inspiration.