No Plan Bee: Let’s Talk Conservation
If you have been holding a grudge against bees since your last sting, it’s time to let it go, especially if you’re someone who enjoys smashed avocado and coffee in the morning. It’s no secret that bee populations around the world are in decline. However, what’s also no secret is that the potential extinction of these little buzzers would have massive implications for our own existence.
For over a decade, beekeepers, across Europe and the United States, have been reporting annual hive losses of 30 percent or higher. Bees have been the dominant pollinator for decades, but since the new millennium, their position has been threatened by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder, which is causing bee populations to plummet. Although the cause of this epidemic is unknown to scientists, experts believe the cause stems from pathogens, parasites, pesticides, and poor nutrition — often arising human intervention.
As pollinators, bees play a crucial role for both nature and our economy, transferring pollen and seeds from one flower to another, thus fertilizing plants so they can fruit, reproduce, grow and produce food. This cross-pollination process supports at least 30% of the world’s crops and 90% of our wild plants. Without their services, many crops and a significant portion of our global food supply would die off. According to astudy by ecologist Stephen Buchman, you can thank a bee for every third bite of food you take. By pollinating trees and plants, bees contribute an estimated $15 billion to the U.S. economy alone. Given bees’ vital role in global agricultural yields, many farmers annually rent hives to pollinate their crops. Unfortunately, since 2004 bee rental prices have nearly quadrupled, putting additional strain on farmers. Dr. Pocock, an ecologist with the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, has estimated that the annual value of the “pollination services” that hard-working pollinators provide, is between US$4.1-$6.7 billion. However, let’s not give bees all the credit. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, and beetles are other pollinators that do some heavy-lifting.
Humans generally think of bees as a summer nuisance, without thinking twice about their vital role in our ecosystem — and on a greater scale — our existence. And right now, one of the most vital sources to human survival is threatened by the careless spraying of insecticides on crops and plants. Around the world, government officials and policy makers are hoping to see bees protected as an endangered species in the near future.
Hamish Baillieu, Investment Analyst
With prices continuing to increase, honeybees are a hot commodity right now and thieves are cashing in. Most notably, such thefts are occurring in California’s Central Valley which produces 80% of the worlds almond supply. This is an area that is heavily dependent on bees and other pollinators.
Here are a list of the foods you will not be able to enjoy anymore if the bee population continues to decline.
Thinking of starting your own honeybee farm? You’re not alone. Read The Beekeeper’s Guide.
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