World Bee Day

World Bee Day History

World Bee Day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of bees in our ecosystems and food security. This day highlights the crucial role bees play in the pollination process, which is essential for the survival of countless plant species and the production of our food. This event presents an opportunity for South Africans to learn about the world of bees and contribute to their conservation.

Established in 2018 by the United Nations, World Bee Day is held on the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping in the 18th century. World Bee Day celebrates this history as well as emphasizing the need to protect bee habitats, supporting sustainable farming practices, and promoting biodiversity. In addition to their ecological value, bees also have social and cultural significance in various communities, with beekeeping offering a source of income and food security to many rural households in South Africa.

This celebration of bees takes place each year on the 20th of May. South Africans are encouraged to participate by planting bee-friendly gardens, supporting local beekeepers, advocating for the protection of bee habitats.

World Bee Day facts

• According to the UN, about 35% of invertebrate pollinators (bees and butterflies) face global extinction due to human impact.
• A single honeybee can produce around 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
• A typical honeybee colony can consist of 20,000 to 80,000 bees during peak season.
• South Africa is the 8th largest exporter of honey in the world, with the Western Cape being one of the top honey-producing provinces.
• The first honeybees were brought to South Africa in the late 1600s by Dutch colonists, and the country's beekeeping industry has been growing ever since.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Bee Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Bee Day

• Do what you can to help bees! Plant native plants and flowers, avoid using pesticides or herbicides, and purchase honey from local farmers.
• Explore a collection of poems about bees and their importance.
• Watch a movie about Bees in South Africa today. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Importance of Bees - This is a South African television documentary that discusses the role of bees in the country's ecosystem, agriculture, and economy. While not a feature film, it is informative and relevant to the South African context.
  2. Bees and Climate Change in South Africa - This short documentary, available on YouTube, explores the impact of climate change on bees in the Western Cape region of South Africa.
  3. City Bees (2013) - This short documentary, produced by Media24, features the beekeeping hobby of South African filmmaker Jason Cullen. The film provides a look into urban beekeeping in Cape Town and sheds light on the critical role bees play in pollinating plants in the city.
• Spend a day in nature and plant a bee-friendly plant. World Bee Day is an opportunity to plant bee-friendly flowers, herbs, and other plants in the backyard to provide a habitat and food source for bees.