Today, 20th of May, is World Bee Day. But why do these little beings get their own date on the international calendar? They might often be ignored or even batted away, but bees are crucial to our future – and more intelligent than you might think. Sadly, however, bees are at serious risk. Here’s why they’re so vital, and what you can do to help them out.
Bees are responsible for a lot more food than honey. They pollinate 70% of the crops that feed 90% of the world. There are other types of pollinators - such as butterflies, beetles and even bats - but no other creature has quite the pollinating precision or clout of the bee. Without bees, a majority of the plants and trees that provide us, wildlife and livestock with food would be under threat. Bees play an essential role in our food system.
Why are bees in danger?
Bees are under threat because of a combination of factors: habitat loss, climate change, parasites and pesticides. In the UK alone, we’ve already lost 13 species of bee, 35 others are currently at risk of extinction and many others worldwide are facing the same fate. Since 1945, we have lost a shocking 97% of wildflower meadows in the UK. This, combined with intensive farming and other threats, is why bees are at risk here.
In addition, bees can be commodified, and they are often selectively bred and hybridised, subject to intensive farming. They are not treated naturally but are made to perform according to industrial farming’s profit-motivated targets. Treatments can cause them welfare problems, and they can be flown around the world according to demand. In one case in 2022, nearly five million bees died being transported by air across the United States. They died from starvation and being baked alive on the airport tarmac.
Columbans support bees
The Columbans held a ‘rewilding event’ at its Solihull headquarters in England on 30 September 2024. Rewilding aims to restore healthy ecosystems by creating wild, biodiverse spaces, which allow a variety of life to thrive. It rebuilds ecosystems that have previously been modified by human disturbance, using the plant and animal life that would have been present had the disturbance never occurred. Rewilding restores the natural processes that provide humanity with clean air, water, food, shelter and medicine. And it creates spaces for wildlife to thrive. This is very important in the UK, which is one of the most nature-depleted areas in the world.
Wildlife-friendly habitats have been created with tree planting and a wildflower garden. At the rewilding event there was information about the Columbans’ tree growing project in the Philippines and Columban environmental stewardship work in Pakistan. The day also saw a celebration of new bee hives.
Making peace with nature and protecting biodiversity is integral to Columban Mission. Hearing the “cry of Earth and the cry of the poor” – according to the 2015 papal encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ – is essential to living the Gospel. Columban eco-theologian Sean McDonagh pleaded for the protection of habitats such as coral reefs and forests in his book, ‘The Death of Life: Extinction is forever.’
Internationally, ‘Peace with Nature’ was the theme of the United Nations 12-day Biodiversity summit (COP16) in Colombia during 2023. It is not as high profile as the annual climate summit, but its task is just as critical. The two crises are deeply connected and both must be tackled. Columbans were part of the Faiths for Biodiversity coalition at COP16 which urged countries to deliver ambitious signs of implementing targets agreed by nations at COP15 in 2022. That landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established global targets needed to conserve at least 30% of lands and waters globally by 2030. Amy Echeverria - the U.S.-based Columban International Coordinator for Justice, Peace, and Ecology - who attended the conference, reported that, “the voices of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, Women, Youth, and Faith were strong and even as countries continue to struggle to find consensus, civil society is getting on with the work to care for the world’s cultural and biological diversity.”
How can you help bees?
Some of the best ways to help bees are to go organic, plant flowers, rewild and preserve natural wild areas. Growing bee-friendly flowers is a great place to start. Even with limited outdoor space, a window box, balcony or hanging basket could become a landing spot for bees. In a bigger garden, you could have fun building a bee hotel. You can also help revive tired bees with sugar water – and can even buy specially-made kits for this purpose.
Next time you see a bee, take a moment to appreciate just how fascinating these invertebrates are – they are part of the web of life of God’s creation.
Ellen Teague runs a Media Desk for Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology in Britain.
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