Why bees and other pollinators might be the most important creatures on the planet

As we celebrate World Bee Day, let’s take a moment to look at the fascinating world of bees and other pollinators. These little heroes are the architects of our ecosystems, delicately transferring pollen from flower to flower, ensuring the reproduction of countless plant and tree species. Through pollination, they are the guardians of our food security, the stewards of a rich and healthy planet, and champions combating climate change.

Pollinators, with their remarkable adaptations, are nature’s masterpieces. From the intricate tongue of a butterfly to the fuzzy body of a bee, each species is uniquely designed to pollinate specific flowers and plants. Bees possess specialized hairs on their bodies ideal for collecting pollen, while butterflies boast long proboscises perfectly suited for sipping nectar from tubular flowers. This intricate co-evolution between pollinators and plants showcases nature’s beauty and underscores its remarkable efficiency.

Why are bees so important?

They are essential to human health and thrive because of their influence on our global ecosystem. They pollinate approximately 75% of our crops and 90% of wild plants and regenerate our natural forests.

Bees and other pollinating insects improve the food production of 2 billion small farmers worldwide, helping to ensure food security for the world’s population. Without them, our agricultural systems would collapse, sending ripples of food shortages and inflated prices across the globe.

Yet, despite their crucial role, pollinators are facing an unprecedented crisis. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease are creating an alarming decline in the numbers and variety of pollinators. Industrial agriculture and urbanization have encroached upon their natural habitats, leaving them with dwindling foraging grounds and nesting sites.

Pesticides, intended to boost agricultural productivity, inadvertently poison these vital animals, weakening their immune systems and disrupting their reproductive cycles. As pollinator populations decline, so does our planet’s resilience to climate change, as diverse ecosystems are crucial in mitigating its impacts.

But there is hope. Just as pollinators tirelessly work to sustain our world, so can we work to protect them.

How can we help?

By advocating for policies prioritizing habitat conservation and sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, we can create landscapes and corridors where pollinators can thrive. Planting pollinator-friendly gardens and reducing pesticides can provide vital refuges for these essential creatures.

Through collective action and individual stewardship, we can tip the scales in favour of pollinator preservation.

Soon, we will invite you all to join us to save our pollinators – we will give you more insight and knowledge about what we can all to, tons of ideas for actions, programs and activities to be part of.

The upcoming initiative is called Bee:wild – it is initiated by PANGAIA, powered by Re:wild and brought to life by a strong group of individuals and businesses.

We are a group of scientists, citizens and companies striving for sustainability, artists, celebrities, and policymakers uniting to celebrate the wonder, beauty, and tremendous value of the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and countless other pollinating creatures that keep our world healthy and productive.

We often feel so many problems are out of our reach—but saving the pollinators can begin today by simply planting native wildflowers in our gardens.

Join us to Bee:wild—a new global campaign inspiring millions to save our pollinators… to save ourselves.

Author: Eva Kruse, Worker bee and Chief Global Engagement Officer, PANGAIA