The Role of Beekeeping in Bee Conservation: Can It Make a Difference?

It is hard to believe that a small insect could actually hold the key to humanity’s survival. Nevertheless, when it comes to the humble bee, this is certainly the case. In fact, the bee has been classed as the ‘most important living being on this planet’ according to the Royal Geographic Society of London. Furthermore, if bees were to become extinct, humanity would not be far behind! So, with the importance of the survival of the bee firmly established, the question of can beekeeping save bees becomes ever more relevant.

Why are Bees So Important?

Most people simply do not appreciate the importance of bees, but as mentioned above, without them humanity would simply not survive. The relationship between bees and flowering plants is one that has helped the evolution of humans. With 75% of the crops that produce fruits and seeds partly or wholly influenced by pollination, it is not really hard to see why humans depend so much on the bee.

A sharp decline in the population of bees can affect the food crops that thousands upon thousands of other bird and animal species eat. As well as this, without bees to pollinate crops, our supply of foods such as apples, tomatoes, and almonds would suffer. So too would crops like cocoa and coffee. We would also lose our supply of honey.

With crops that are dependent on bee pollination worth up to $577 billion annually, it is easy to see how valued the bee actually is. Moreover, because it is virtually impossible to use artificial means to replicate the work done by the bee, it is vital that we work hard to ensure the survival of this little marvel of an insect. This is where beekeeping can help.

In addition to their role in pollination, bees also play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. They help in the reproduction of wildflowers and other flowering plants, which support a diverse range of animal species. Bees also act as important indicators of the health of the environment. Their population decline is often a sign of larger environmental problems, such as pesticide use or habitat destruction.

Bees are also essential for the production of many medicines and products that are used in the healthcare industry. Propolis, a substance made by bees, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in various medicinal products. Additionally, royal jelly, a secretion produced by worker bees, is used in cosmetics and dietary supplements.

Beyond their economic and ecological value, bees are also culturally significant. Honey has been used by humans for thousands of years as a source of food, medicine, and even as a gift to the gods. The honeybee is also a symbol of hard work, cooperation, and community, inspiring many cultures around the world.

It is clear that bees are an essential part of our natural and cultural heritage, and their importance cannot be overstated. We must take action to protect them by supporting initiatives that promote bee-friendly practices and by advocating for policies that protect their habitats and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. By doing so, we can ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures for generations to come.

Is Beekeeping a Way to Save the Bee?

In areas where flowers are plentiful, it is great to see more people becoming beekeepers. These individuals are helping the honeybee to survive. What many do not realise though is that there are actually thousands of bee species, and most of these do not live in hives.

In fact, there are more than 20,000 species of bee, varying in size from a tiny 2mm to a quite large 4cm. Beekeeping typically centres around the honeybee for obvious reasons, but many more bees are actually ‘wild’ and are often in direct competition for pollen with the honeybee.

In an area where there are vast numbers of flowers, a high number of honeybees is not a huge problem. However, where flowering plants are more sparse, the wild bee tends to lose out to the honeybee. While lots of people might not think this a problem, the reality is that honeybees will collect the pollen and transport it back to their hives. They do not usually transfer much of it to the flowers they are visiting, which affects the reproduction of the wild plants. It is therefore vitally important that both honeybees and wild bees be protected.

Beekeeping can be a helpful way to support the survival of honeybees, but it is not the only solution to save the bee. In fact, beekeeping mainly focuses on honeybees, which are just one of over 20,000 bee species. Wild bees, such as bumblebees, mason bees, and sweat bees, are essential for pollination but often overlooked in favor of honeybees.

Wild bees do not live in hives and tend to compete with honeybees for pollen, especially in areas with limited flowering plants. The dominance of honeybees can negatively impact the reproduction of wild plants, which can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and promote the survival of both honeybees and wild bees.

One way to support wild bee populations is to create and maintain habitats that provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources. Planting a diverse range of native flowering plants is also crucial to support the nutritional needs of wild bees throughout the year.

Another critical step is reducing the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals that can harm both wild and domestic bees. Supporting sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize pollinator health and biodiversity can also have a significant impact on bee populations.

While beekeeping can be a helpful way to support honeybee populations, it is essential to recognize the importance of wild bees and take steps to protect them. By promoting the survival of both honeybees and wild bees, we can help ensure a healthy and thriving ecosystem for all.

How to Protect Wild Bees

While beekeeping is a fantastic hobby that will help to ensure the survival of the honeybee, there are things that can be done to protect other bee species too. One of the best things an average person with a garden can do is fill it with flowers that bees will love. Those plants rich in nectar and pollen include lavender, lilac, mint honeysuckle, poppies, sunflowers, and wisteria.

You can also help wild bees by providing places for them to nest. Some bee species like to nest in cavities in buildings or in old plant stems. If you do not have such spaces, you can buy a bee hotel. Or better yet, build your own. Bees like tunnels, so effectively a bee hotel can be a box filled with holes, or ‘tunnels’, in which they can lay their eggs. Bamboo cane is a fantastic material for the tunnels. You can find some fantastic bee hotels online if DIY is not your strong point. Click here for a selection from Amazon.

Another way to protect wild bees is to reduce your use of household pesticides. Wildflowers are often ‘dealt with’ by products such as weed killer; the reality though is that these fast growing ‘weeds’ are actually rich in pollen and nectar and great for bees. Dandelion and clover in your lawn are also attractive to bees, but a bee won’t thank you if you cut the grass every few days! Not cutting the grass as often could increase the number of bees you see in your garden. It will also mean you are doing your bit to help the bee survive.

Can Beekeeping Save Bees – Conclusion

In conclusion, beekeeping is a critical practice that can help save bees and support their populations. As one of the most important pollinators in the world, bees play an indispensable role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture. Their decline in recent years has been a major cause for concern, as the loss of bees would have a devastating impact on both the environment and the global food supply. Beekeeping offers a solution to this problem by providing a safe and suitable environment for bees to thrive, allowing them to pollinate crops and produce honey. By becoming a beekeeper, individuals can contribute to the preservation of bee populations while also enjoying the many benefits that beekeeping has to offer. In addition to the satisfaction of supporting bees, beekeeping provides a source of income through the sale of honey and other bee products. Furthermore, it offers opportunities for research and education on bee behavior, health, and conservation. Ultimately, beekeeping is a critical step in protecting the future of bees and the vital role they play in our world. By taking action to support bee populations, we can help to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet.