Why are bees important?

Bees are part of the world’s biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival. They provide high-quality food (honey, royal jelly and pollen) and other products such as beeswax, propolis and honey bee venom; Propolis seems to help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help skin heal.

Beekeeping provides an important source of income for many rural livelihoods, and the western honey bee is the most widespread managed pollinator globally; over 80 million hives produce an estimated 1.6 million tonnes of honey annually. Pollinators contribute directly to food security, as when they spread pollen, they allow plants, including many food crops, to reproduce. The most common pollinators are insects, and among them, bees. According to bee experts at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a third of the world’s food production depends on bees.