Observing World Bee Day on 20 May each year draws attention to the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. It provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, civil society and concerned citizens everywhere to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.
The year’s theme is “Bee Engaged” with a specific focus on bee production and good practices adopted by beekeepers to support their livelihoods and deliver good quality products.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the beekeeping sector affecting the production, the market and as a consequence, the livelihoods of beekeepers. During the event will be explored the role of beekeeping in supporting rural communities and improving food and nutrition security in this challenging situation.
This year’s virtual event will highlight the importance of traditional knowledge related to beekeeping, the use of bee-derived products and services, and their importance in achieving the SDGs.
The event is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from:
President of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia)
Executive Director, Center for Analytics Research and Education, Appalachian State University
Director, Bees for Development and President, Scientific Commission for Rural Development, Apimondia
Honorary Chairman and Founder Trustee, Central Himalayan Institute for Nature & Applied Research (CHINAR)