World Bee Day – "Together with Bees for People and the Planet"
World Bee Day – "Together with Bees for People and the Planet"
On May 20, we celebrate World Bee Day – a date established by the UN General Assembly in 2018 to remind us of the irreplaceable role of bees and all pollinators in sustaining life on Earth. This year’s motto, “Together with Bees for People and the Planet – a Partnership that Sustains Us” highlights how closely our well-being is connected to these small but vital creatures.
Bees and other pollinators are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and for supporting food production. Nearly 75% of the world’s major agricultural crops depend, to some extent, on pollinators. However, their populations are declining drastically due to habitat loss, climate change, diseases, and excessive use of pesticides.
The theme for 2026 draws attention to the partnership between people and bees – from traditional beekeeping practices to modern technologies that support the health of bee colonies.
Interesting facts about bees:
• There are around 25,000 bee species worldwide, with only 8–11 of them being honey bees.
• Almost 90% of wild flowering plants depend on pollinators.
• Hive products include honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and beeswax.
Why this day matters?
It reminds us that protecting bees is a shared responsibility. Each of us can contribute – by planting nectar-rich flowers, reducing chemicals in our gardens, supporting local beekeepers, or simply raising awareness.
The partnership between people and bees is not just symbolic – it is essential for the future of our food, nature, and the planet.