Tasmanian beekeepers are urging everyone to be inspired on 20 May, World Bee Day, a day dedicated to celebrating bees and their crucial role in maintaining human and planetary health.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has announced this year's theme as "be inspired by nature to nourish us all."
Tasmanian Beekeepers Association secretary Jan Davis points out that Australia is home to approximately 2,000 native bee species, representing only a fraction of the over 20,000 species globally. Bees play a pivotal role in pollinating a significant portion of the world's food supply.
"Tasmania is home to more than 100 native bee species, including Reed bees, Leafcutter bees, and Resin bees," Ms Davis states. "Additionally, we have populations of non-native bumblebees and European bees."
In contrast to the common European honeybee, native bees exhibit solitary behaviour and, in certain instances, are stingless.
"European bees in Tasmania produce Leatherwood Honey in the West Coast and Wilderness World Heritage area. This results in the finest and most unique honey globally."
"Our bees also dedicate time to producing honey, beeswax, and assisting plants in growth," she added.
Ms Davis further emphasised that the absence of bees would severely restrict our food supply. He stated that approximately two-thirds of our agricultural production relies on their pollination services.
"Therefore, the survival of our buzzing friends is not solely concerned with producing exceptional honey; it also significantly contributes to our food security.
"Regrettably, bee populations are facing threats. The destruction of their natural habitat, intensive farming practices, pests, and diseases are among the complex factors contributing to a decline in both the number and diversity of bees," Ms Davis concluded.
Ms. Davis emphasised the pivotal role of native bees in pollinating endemic flora within the Australian ecosystem.
Native bees have co-evolved with our distinctive native flora over millennia. Certain plant species can only be pollinated by a specific bee species.
In the absence of pollination, plant species are unable to reproduce. Consequently, the demise of a particular bee species can lead to the demise of the plant species.
Ms. Davis concluded by underscoring bees' status as keystone insects, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health.
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