Can We Save the Bees to Save Our Planet?

Bees are disappearing at a fast rate; this will very soon lead to the disappearance of fruits and vegetables from our dinner tables. Not only these, various other delicious foods too will disappear. At this crucial juncture, can we save the bees?

The Colony Collapse Syndrome in which the bees from beehives abruptly disappear is catching all beekeepers of US of A and Europe unawares. The exact reason is not known yet, but the suspects are many:

• Mites
• Pesticides
• Global Warming
• Mobile phones
• Sky rise apartments dislodging the green trees

The Bigger Picture in Bangalore

The city of Bangalore is expanding and deforestation is dislodging the honey bees from their natural habitats. The trees of Bangalore are being cut down to widen the roads. The hapless bees end up making their hives in the balconies of the sky rise buildings. Understandably the residents of the flats are not too happy to coexist with them. As a result, pesticides are sprayed and hundreds of honey bees are left dead. If only they were relocated with the help of a dedicated organization.

The CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) is doing a great job in Bangalore rescuing animals in distress. One phone call to CUPA is all that is required to save an animal. Even the snakes of Bangalore are taken care of by Mohammed Anees. But there are none to help out the bees.

You may be wondering the relevance of this picture of the idol of Goddess Om Shakti in this post. Observe the picture above, you can see the bees have made their hive under the left elbow of the Goddess. This sight was my motivation for this post. The bees seem to have made a wise decision choosing that spot. Only Gods can save the bees from extinction!

Can We Save the Honey Bees?

Saving the honey bees too, along with other animals should be given priority.

Recently the Khadi & Village Industries Commission has launched a pilot project in the ‘land of honey’ Kodagu district, south Karnataka. This is close to Bangalore. About 2,000 apiculturists (bee keepers) will be brought into the cluster development scheme to develop an apiary in the state.

‘The CUPA’ and ‘The Khadi & Village Industries Commission’ together can support the worthy cause. The two bodies can coordinate, and jointly put up efforts in relocating the honey bees to the apiaries around Bangalore. Once the apiaries around Bangalore take up the responsibility, I am sure the citizens of Bangalore will be too happy to inform the concerned department to help relocate the bee hives.

The best honey can be sourced from hill stations where they sell pure honey made by wild honey bees. It is a source of income for the local people there. Support them by buying such food souvenirs.

Honey for Medication

Honey contains natural antibiotics to help the body battle infection. Scientists in many research centres are working on ways to make the sticky substance easier to apply on wounds and help overcome antibiotic resistance. It could be used in surgery, war zones and our own homes.

Save the Bees Campaign

As pollinators essential to our ecosystem, bees play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the production of food crops. Today, alarming declines in bee populations have sparked a global movement: the Save the Bees Campaign.

Scientists and environmentalists have highlighted the perilous state of bee populations. Factors such as

• pesticide use
• habitat loss
• climate change
• disease

are driving bees toward extinction at an unprecedented rate. According to recent studies, some regions have reported a decline of up to 40% in bee populations. If this trend continues it could have catastrophic consequences for global agriculture and natural ecosystems.

The Save the Bees Campaign, spearheaded by a coalition of environmental organizations, farmers, and concerned citizens, aims to reverse this decline through a multi-faceted approach. The campaign advocates for stricter regulations on pesticide use, promoting organic farming practices, and restoring natural habitats that provide bees with the food and shelter they need to thrive. Public awareness initiatives are also a key component, with educational programs designed to inform communities about the importance of bees and how individuals can contribute to their preservation.

Efforts to save the bees have gained traction at both grassroots and governmental levels. For instance, the European Union has implemented bans on several harmful pesticides, a move applauded by environmental advocates. In the United States, various states have enacted policies to create bee-friendly environments, such as planting wildflowers along highways and incentivizing farmers to adopt bee-friendly practices.

In addition to policy changes, technology and innovation are playing a crucial role in bee conservation. Researchers are developing new methods to monitor bee health, including the use of artificial intelligence and drones. These technologies help track bee populations and identify threats in real-time, enabling quicker and more effective responses to emerging challenges.

Despite these efforts, the fight to save the bees is far from over. Continued support and collective action are imperative. The Save the Bees Campaign calls on every individual to take part—whether by planting a bee-friendly garden, supporting local beekeepers, or advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. Each small action contributes to a larger movement aimed at securing a future where bees can thrive.

Have you done your bit?

List of Bee-Saving Organizations in India

National Bee Board (NBB)

Overview: The National Bee Board operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and aims to promote beekeeping in India through training, research, and financial support.

Website: National Bee Board

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

Overview: KVIC promotes beekeeping as part of its broader mission to support rural industries and sustainable livelihoods.

Website: KVIC

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Overview: ICAR conducts extensive research on beekeeping and supports various initiatives to enhance bee conservation and productivity.

Website: ICAR

Under The Mango Tree Society (UTMT)

Overview: UTMT focuses on promoting beekeeping among small farmers to improve their livelihoods and ensure environmental sustainability.

Website: Under The Mango Tree Society

Keystone Foundation

Overview: This organization works on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the Nilgiris, including bee conservation and promoting traditional beekeeping practices.

Website: Keystone Foundation

The Hive – India Honey Alliance (IHA)

Overview: IHA is a collective that aims to bring together stakeholders in the honey and beekeeping sector to address challenges and promote sustainable practices.

Website: India Honey Alliance

Bees for Development India (BFDI)

Overview: BFDI works to promote beekeeping for sustainable development, focusing on rural communities and biodiversity conservation.

Website: Bees for Development India

BAIF Development Research Foundation

Overview: BAIF promotes rural development through sustainable agricultural practices, including beekeeping projects to enhance biodiversity and farmer incomes.

Website: BAIF

These organizations are at the forefront of bee conservation efforts in India, working through various initiatives, including research, education, sustainable beekeeping practices, and policy advocacy to protect and preserve bee populations.

The stakes are high, but with concerted efforts and a shared commitment, the decline of bee populations can be halted and even reversed. The survival of bees is not just about protecting a single species; it’s about safeguarding the health of our planet and the future of our food supply.

How Can We Save the Bees?

Like I mentioned before, the decline in bee populations is a global concern with significant implications for biodiversity and agriculture. I have here several practical steps that individuals, communities, and policymakers can take to help save the bees.

1. Reduce Pesticide Use

One of the primary threats to bees is the widespread use of harmful pesticides. To protect bee populations, it’s crucial to reduce or eliminate the use of these chemicals. Opt for organic farming methods and use natural pest control alternatives. Support legislation that restricts the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides.

2. Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens

Creating environments that provide bees with ample food sources is essential. Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers, herbs, and shrubs that bloom at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous food supply. Native plants are particularly beneficial as they are well-suited to the local ecosystem and more attractive to native bee species.

3. Support Local Beekeepers

Purchasing honey and other bee products from local, sustainable beekeepers helps support practices that are beneficial to bees. Many local beekeepers use methods that are less harmful to bee populations and contribute to the health and diversity of local ecosystems.

4. Create Bee Habitats

Provide bees with safe places to nest and thrive. Leave patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees, and consider installing bee hotels to support solitary bees. Preserve natural habitats by protecting wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and forest edges.

5. Promote Awareness and Education

Educate others about the importance of bees and the threats they face. Organize community workshops, school programs, and social media campaigns to spread the word about how crucial bees are to our environment and food supply. The more people understand the issue, the more collective action can be taken.

6. Advocate for Bee-Friendly Policies

Engage with policymakers to support laws and regulations that protect bee habitats and restrict the use of harmful pesticides. Advocacy can lead to significant changes at local, national, and international levels.

7. Support Research and Conservation Efforts

Donate to organizations dedicated to bee conservation and research. Scientific studies are vital for understanding bee health and developing new methods to protect them. Supporting these efforts financially or through volunteer work can make a substantial difference.

8. Reduce Lawn Mowing

Allow parts of your lawn to grow wild. Frequent mowing can destroy bee habitats and reduce the availability of flowering plants that bees rely on for nectar and pollen. Letting your lawn grow longer and incorporating wildflowers can create a more bee-friendly environment.

9. Provide Water Sources

Bees need water to survive, especially during hot weather. Place shallow dishes of water with stones or marbles in your garden to give bees a safe place to drink without the risk of drowning.

By taking these steps, we can create a more hospitable world for bees, ensuring their survival and, by extension, the health of our ecosystems and food supplies. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger effort of saving these vital pollinators.

Read the story of Bee Hive in my garden: Happy Bees make Bee Hive in my Balcony Garden

Read more: Where do Butterflies Go when it Rains?