Bees, beyond honey
By
Gretel Morales - 2023-05-17T19:36:53Z
At Kiwilimón, we are aware of the importance of caring for the environment, the dangers of climate change, and the relevance of issues such as food self-sufficiency. Therefore, this time we want to tell you about World Bee Day, as it is the ideal opportunity to raise awareness about the most relevant issues for society. As you know, bees are pollinators, just like butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats, among others. These species are responsible for pollination, a very complex process that is crucial for the survival of living beings and that we must understand in order to create awareness. The National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity explains it as follows: The pollinator helps transfer pollen grains from the “male part of one flower” to the “female part of another or the same flower.” As a result of this process, the plant is fertilized and seeds, fruits, and a new generation of plants are formed. That is, through pollination, we can continue to obtain crops and plants. You can also read: How to identify if honey is pure or adulteratedAs you can see, bees and other pollinators play a key role in the ecosystem, so it is essential to take care of them and understand the serious consequences of their possible extinction. For its part, the United Nations (UN) emphasizes that “almost 90% of flowering plants depend on pollination for reproduction; likewise, 75% of the world's food crops depend to some extent on pollination and 35% of global agricultural land.” Additionally, the international organization shares alarming data, which can be summarized as follows: 1. Currently, bees are endangered, mostly due to human activity. 2. Bees and other pollinators have been affected by: Human activity Climate change Pesticides Pests Unsustainable agriculture Changes in land use Invasive species Diseases3. Without bees, crops will be in danger, as pollination is essential to ensure biodiversity and the production of food such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. You can also read: Discover the incredible benefits of raw honeyHow can I help? Plant flowers at home, preferably native ones that bloom at different times of the year. Buy honey from local producers. Support sustainable agriculture. Provide water for the bees, but remember to place a small stick or stone so they don’t drown. Care for the environment and raise awareness about this issue. Remember that we can all contribute a little pollen to protect the bees! You can also read: 5 ways to include honey in your beauty routine