Bees are often overlooked, yet they play a key role in supporting agriculture, wild plants, and natural balance through pollination. Their work quietly sustains ecosystems that humans depend on
‘If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live,’ a quote attributed to Albert Einstein, highlights the immense importance of bees. The quote underlines their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. It also reflects how closely human survival is linked to their existence.
World Bee Day, observed on May 20, marks the birth anniversary of Anton Janša. He was a pioneer of modern beekeeping. Bees have long been considered essential to the survival of ecosystems. Helping preserve grasslands and maintain ecological balance are among their many other roles. Often admired for their diligence and hard work, bees remain the unsung heroes of the cycle of life.
But are bees really all that important? Bees are considered to be proficient pollinators. “Over 75% of the world's flowering plants and 35% of global food crops rely on these animal pollinators,” mentions Suprajit P Raikar, Proprietor of Raika Honey Apiary in Benaulim. “However, the bee populations are experiencing severe, alarming declines, and it is a massive cause for worry,” he says, sharing his concern.
Apart from being excellent pollinators, bees have also been observed to improve crop yield at the local level. Dr Suresh Kuncalikar, Principal of Goa College of Agriculture, recalls a project focused on reviving bee populations in a locality. When they succeeded in doing so, they further observed that the coconut production in that area had significantly increased and improved. While bees are widely recognised for their role in producing the food we eat, they are also crucial for seed production in thousands of flowering plant species found across forests, wetlands, and gardens.
No wonder the phrase “as busy as a bee” remains relevant. For such tiny creatures, bees carry an enormous responsibility in sustaining ecosystems. Despite the immense role they play, bees face several challenges. Dr Kuncalikar explains, “If the flora and fauna of a place are healthy and the colony is handled properly, the bees will stay. However, if the environment is affected adversely, the bees suffer too. Additionally, wasps are known enemies of the bees, and protecting them from these attacks is important as well.”
He further pointed out that environmental conditions and weather patterns can also affect bee populations, adding that heavy rainfall during the monsoon can also negatively impact bee colonies.
Despite their importance, bees are often misunderstood. While their sting is commonly viewed as extremely dangerous, Dr Kuncalikar explains that this is largely a misconception. “Bees sting only when they feel threatened. It is usually not the sting itself that is dangerous, but the allergic reaction a person may have to it. If stung, the sting should be removed immediately, and the wound should be given proper medical attention,” he says.
Raikar highlights another misconception. “Bees make food for their young ones and not for humans. Hence, extensive extraction of honey hurts the beehive & their survival chances during the dearth period (monsoon),” he clarifies, thus stressing the need for having proper apiculture knowledge before extraction.
The preservation and maintenance of bees are hence crucial to the survival of the ecosystem. Along with their ecological role, bees also offer practical value for livelihoods. “People who have the space, resources, and interest in conserving these creatures can keep a few bee boxes in their front yard,” Dr Kuncalikar says.
Raikar echoes similar sentiments, saying, “Protecting bees starts with small everyday actions. Buy local honey to support beekeepers who help preserve them, avoid spraying pesticides or insecticides, and instead call 9689924767 for bee rescue,” he remarks, further urging people to plant nectar-rich indigenous trees or take part in training programmes to support bee conservation.
World Bee Day serves as a reminder. Bees are small but play an irreplaceable role in sustaining life. Their pollination supports biodiversity, crops, and the natural balance. As bee populations decline, protecting them becomes essential, not just for conservation but for ensuring humanity’s future.
