World Honey Bee Day: Climate Experts seek global action as populations decline

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the world celebrates World Honey Bee Day, science writers under the African Climate Reporters umbrella have called for urgent action to protect honey bees, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting global food production.
In a press release provided to the media, the Head of Communication and Strategies, Ibrahima Yakubu, stated that bees are among the most important pollinators, playing a crucial role in agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental stability. “Without them, many crops and wild plants would struggle to survive,” he noted.
Yakubu, a science and environmental journalist, expressed concern over the alarming decline in the global bee population over recent years. He pointed out several factors contributing to this trend, including the widespread use of pesticides and harmful chemicals in agriculture. “These substances weaken bees, impair their navigation systems, and often lead to death,” he said.
He added that climate change is another significant threat, as changing weather patterns disrupt flowering cycles and reduce the availability of food for bees. Habitat destruction resulting from urbanization, deforestation, and land degradation has also diminished the natural environments where bees live and reproduce.
According to him, diseases and parasites such as the Varroa mite continue to devastate bee colonies worldwide. Pollution and poor environmental practices worsen the situation, making it harder for bees to thrive. “Human activities that ignore ecological balance continue to put these essential pollinators at risk,” Yakubu warned.
To help reverse the decline, African Climate Reporters urged farmers to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices and reduce their reliance on harmful pesticides. The group also called on governments and environmental organizations to enact stronger policies that protect bee habitats and promote sustainable agriculture.
Yakubu emphasized the importance of community involvement in bee conservation, recommending planting more trees and bee-friendly flowers at homes, schools, and public spaces to provide bees with food and shelter. He highlighted that public awareness campaigns and environmental education are vital for teaching people about the importance of bees and biodiversity.
He further noted that research institutions should continue studying bee diseases and the effects of climate change to develop more effective protection methods. Individuals can contribute by supporting local beekeepers, avoiding pollution, and safeguarding natural ecosystems.
“On this World Honey Bee Day, let us all join hands to protect honey bees and preserve the balance of nature. Saving the bees means securing our future, our food systems, and the health of our planet,” Yakubu said.