Every living creature on Earth undoubtedly plays a role, big or small, in the continuity of the ecosystem. But the role of bees is far greater than most of us imagine! And sadly, many bee species today are facing the threat of extinction due to various reasons…

Today, there are over 20,000 bee species living on Earth, categorized as social, semi-social, and solitary. However, it is estimated that this number will dramatically decrease unless urgent measures are taken against global warming and climate change. At this very point, we need to understand more deeply the meaning of the saying, “If bees disappear from the face of the Earth, mankind will also disappear.” Otherwise, it would not be an exaggeration to say that we are gradually preparing our own end! So, what kind of threats might humanity pose to bees, directly or indirectly? Let's examine the answers to this critical question together!

1. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEES FOR THE WORLD AND HUMANS?

According to scientists, the primary reason for the existence of bees is to meet the pollination needs of plants (flowers). Pollination occurs when pollen grains produced in the male organs of a flower are transferred to the stigma. This results in fertilization, which is the basis of reproduction. If a flower is not pollinated, fertilization and consequently the formation of seeds and fruits cannot occur, leaving plants unable to perpetuate their species.

Apart from some self-pollinating species, the vast majority of plants need animal species such as birds, squirrels, monkeys, and rodents, and especially insects, as well as factors like wind and water, for pollination. Among all pollinators, bees, which belong to the insect class, play the most important role. Within bee species, honey bees have by far the largest share in this regard… This clearly demonstrates the strong relationship between bees and ecology.

2. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THERE WERE NO BEES?

It is known that 70 out of approximately 100 plant species, which constitute 90% of global food consumption, are pollinated by honey bees. Furthermore, data shows that 75% of flowering plants worldwide need pollinators to survive. This means that for the fruits, vegetables, and many other foods we consume today, we should thank and be grateful to insects, especially pollinators like honey bees. And here, the answer to the above question emerges by itself: If there were no bees, enough food could not be produced for the world's population, and without food, it would not be possible for living beings to survive!

2.1. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEES FOR HUMANITY IS NOT LIMITED TO THESE!

Have you heard that in countries like China, where the bee population is steadily declining, pollination has started to be done by hand? The fact that pollination, which bees perform without expecting anything in return, has started to be done by humans for a fee, unfortunately indicates that food prices may increase even further. Indeed, one-third of the food items that come to our tables, such as fruits, vegetables, oils, and nuts, are produced as a result of pollination provided by bees. In Europe, this rate is even higher!

In Europe, four-fifths of plants, both cultivated for food and growing wild, need bee pollination. From this perspective, pollinators, especially bees, form the cornerstone of food security and biodiversity. Along with this, bees contribute significantly not only to food production but also to other areas important for human life. For example, bees have a very large impact on the productivity of plants like cotton and flax used in textile, medicine, biofuel, and construction material production.

2.2. BEE SPECIES ARE UNDER GREAT THREAT TODAY

The gradual decline of all bee species in general – but especially honey bee and bumblebee species – seriously concerns scientists. The fundamental reason for this concern is the vital importance of the relationship between bees and nature, and in chain reaction, between bees and humanity.

3. WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THREATENING THE EXISTENCE OF BEES?

There is no single definitive cause for bee losses on a global scale. It is believed that there are many known and unknown factors in this regard, and all these factors cumulatively lead to the current problem. For example, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), first observed in the USA and reported in different geographies (China, Japan, Europe, Egypt, and the Middle East) since 2006, is a fact that causes a great deal of colony loss. It is thought that many factors have a cumulative effect on these colony losses. According to Greenpeace and some other sources, some of these factors are:

3.1. INTENSIVE PESTICIDE USE

Insecticides and chemicals used in agricultural production, especially Neonicotinoids, are among the most effective factors in the disappearance or reduction of bees. These types of chemicals also pose a threat to human health due to the residues they leave in products. Although the use of some highly toxic insecticides for bees has been banned, the intensive use of these chemicals continues globally.

3.2. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Global climate change and habitat destruction affect bee species, directly or indirectly, just as they affect all living things. For example, the average global warming increase rate in world temperature over 200 years is 1.1 degrees. This situation directly affects the ecosystem, naturally reducing the diversity of nectar- and pollen-bearing plants, which are the food sources of bees. Or it leads to the extinction of these species.

3.3. HABITAT LOSS

• Opening up areas that are natural habitats for insects to human settlement,

• Changes in land use,

• Intensive monoculture agricultural activities,

• Forest fires,

• Reasons such as the destruction of natural vegetation due to global warming lead to the loss of bees' food sources and the shrinking of their habitats.

3.4. DISEASES AND PESTS

The rapid spread of bee diseases and pests worldwide constitutes another important branch of factors threatening bees. Various parasites and pests, especially Varroa, in addition to Colony Collapse Disorder, Israeli acute paralysis virus, and other unknown viruses, are among the most important causes of colony losses.

4. WHAT SHOULD WE DO FOR THE FUTURE OF BEES?

Each of the factors listed in the previous section can be effective on its own in the disappearance of bees or the reduction of their populations. The presence of all or several of these together naturally brings about much more devastating consequences. So, what do you think can be done individually to prevent the extinction of bees and to protect bees? Of course, there is always something everyone can do!

• Being sensitive to the environment and ecosystem, and developing awareness of nature and bees starting from one's social circle.

• Using agricultural pesticides less and more consciously in agricultural production and at home.

• Supporting ecological production by consuming organic agricultural products.

• Growing nectar and pollen-producing bee-friendly plants in parks, gardens, and balconies.

• Knowing that we depend on bees for sustainable food production and that bees are friends of humanity.

• Supporting policies that protect the environment and, consequently, bees, and contributing to the formation of such policies.

Let's not forget, if there are bees, there is a tomorrow!

Dr. Ali İhsan Öztürk,

Agricultural Engineer, Apiculture Specialist

Balparmak Beekeeping Academy Training Consultant