The disappearance of bees is a planetary catastrophe of which humanity is not yet aware. These insects play an essential role in pollination. However, they are so tiny that until now, we have not realized their role in our existence. Over 75% of the world's food production depends on insect pollinators. And a majority of wild plants need bees to reproduce. However, the latest news is that pollinator mortality has increased by an average of 20% in Europe. It's up to more than 50% in other countries. What can be done to remedy the disappearance of bees?
Disappearance of bees: the causes
There are many causes that have led to the disappearance of bees. Most of them can be avoided, but it is crucial to act knowing that the impact of our actions have a long term effect on pollinators.
Climate change
One of the reasons for this is climate change, which leads to the reduction of its natural habitats. In winter, the mortality of these insects has reached an abnormally high rate of 50%. Pathogenic causes accelerate the collapse of beehives: the presence of viruses, parasites and fungi.
The use of phytosanitary treatments
But this is far from being the only cause of the massive reduction in the number of bees in the world. There are also human causes such as the use of phytosanitary treatments. Their toxicity is proven. Different populations suffer from the use of pesticides whose effect lasts for years. On the one hand, they slow down their development, cause malformations. They even make them lose their orientation. As a result, the bees cannot find their hive. On the other hand, even if these toxic products are not directly sprayed on the bees, it can happen that the nectars harvested contain residues. It can even be the pollen or even the water that is used to water the plants.
Men are engaged in intensive monocultures
The threat to the biodiversity of these pollinating insects is also a reason for this plague. This means that the areas with flowering plants are greatly reduced. The bees do not have enough to eat. They do not have enough strength to survive for a long time as a result.
Solutions to the disappearance of bees
The class of neonicotinoids is a hundred times more dangerous than other pesticides. These products can wreak havoc on our friends in the hive. For example, a small kernel of corn that has been exposed to this type of insecticide can kill over 50,000 bees.
Raising awareness among cultural actors
If the bees disappear, so will the agricultural plants that represent 35% of our food. The implementation of an environmentally friendly agriculture is then more than recommended. The goal is to avoid the extinction of this species.
Support for the production of natural honey
Let's also push beekeepers who produce natural honey to move forward in this direction. To take part more concretely in this fight is possible by sponsoring a hive. Every action counts, no matter how small it is. This is because it is not the size of the investment that counts, but the consequences on these tiny beasts on which our ecosystem depends.