Recently, it has become difficult to see bees, and their disappearance may be attributed to many reasons; however, honeybees manage an important part of our lives. If honeybees disappear, people will suffer from food shortages and other problems. A single bee is really small and weak, but a colony of bees has a powerful influence on the environment. Therefore, people should know the importance of bees and the different ways to protect them.
Importance of honeybees
Pollination
Bees still play the most important role in the ecosystem as pollinators. When bees move between flowers to obtain nectar, flowers can produce fruits through the movement of bees. Studies have shown that about 35% of global crop production depends on pollinators, such as bees (FAO 2018). People and animals can get a variety of food materials through this influence. In addition, animals can find shelter and survive through the cycle of ecosystems (Pthomeandgarden.com, 2019.)
Honey & Beeswax
Honey has been favored by people and has been used as a medicine because it is good for health. The various antioxidants and polyphenols in honey can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent cancer and eye-related diseases. It is the only food that is never spoiled, never dried, and can be eaten without cooking. Because of this effect, in the past, it was used as a body preservative, such as in mummification (Millar, 2021).
Beeswax is also a useful substance provided by bees. It has a waterproofing effect because of its oil content. People used these ingredients to preserve books for a long time and to make candles. In addition, it has a moisturizing effect and is often used as a cosmetic fuel.
Reasons for the disappearance of honeybees
Climate Change
Due to global warming, winters is getting warmer, and spring is getting shorter. As a result, flowers bloom early and honeybees prepare for activity early. Bees almost stop being active outdoors when the temperature is above 37℃, lose their flying power below 10℃, and lose their activity below 7℃. Therefore, the bees could not return to the hive because of freezing and lack of stamina (Friends of the Earth, 2017).
Pesticides
The pesticides used to protect bees from hornets also cause fatal injuries to bees. In addition, pesticides sprayed on farmhouses and fields damage bees moving to collect honey. Therefore, farmers must not use pesticides or use them in an environmentally friendly way.
Conclusion
The existence of honeybees plays a significant part in people’s and animals’ lives. They provide a safe place for wildlife and plenty of food for people. To prevent the disappearance of bees, people should always think about environmental issues and live in coexistence with nature. Furthermore, people must think of gratitude for bees and work together to protect them.
Reference
Pthomeandgarden.com. (2019). 5 Ways Bees are Important to the Environment | Premier Tech Home and Garden. [online] Available at: https://www.pthomeandgarden.com/5-ways-bees-are-important-to-the-environment/ [Accessed 9 May 2022].
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2018). Why bees matter – The importance of bees and other pollinators for food and agriculture. [online] Available at: https://www.fao.org/3/i9527en/i9527en.pdf [Accessed 9 May 2022].
Millar, H. (2021). Why Bees Are So Important to Human Life and Health. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-are-bees-important-to-humans [Accessed 9 May 2022].
Friends of the Earth. (2017). What are the causes of bee decline? [online] Available at: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/what-are-causes-bee-decline#:~:text=These%20include%20habitat%20loss%2C%20climate [Accessed 12 May 2022].
