Guardians of ecological balance and food producers
The role of bees in global food security is very important.
They are vital for agriculture because of their role in pollination, which is the process by which plants reproduce. Approximately one third of the food we eat depends directly or indirectly on pollination by bees, the major contributors to the biodiversity of the cycle.
Role they play in ecosystem biodiversity
Pollination by bees is not only crucial for food production, but also for biodiversity in general.
Many wild plants rely on bees for pollination, which in turn affects the entire food chain and contributes to the diversity of life on the planet.
-
Pollination
Bees are the pollinators par excellence.
When they feed on the nectar of flowers, they collect pollen in their body which is then transferred to other flowers. This exchange of pollen between flowers enables fertilization and seed production, allowing plants to reproduce.
Approximately 70% of flowering plant species depend on pollinators for reproduction and bees are one of the most efficient pollinators.
Without bees, many plants would not be able to reproduce. -
Increasing plant diversity
As excellent pollinators, bees contribute to plant diversity by allowing different species to reproduce.
This also helps ensure genetic diversity within plant species, as bees carry pollen between different individuals. -
Food chains
Bees, and especially the honey they produce, are a source of food for a variety of species, including birds, small mammals and insects. By providing this food resource, bees help maintain these populations and contribute to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
-
Agriculture
: There are many benefits of bee pollination for seed production.
Many agricultural crops depend on pollination by bees to produce fruit and seeds.
Without bees, food production for humans would decline, which would have significant implications for our populations. -
Soil conservation
The relationship between bee pollination and soil conservation is very close.
Some species such as digger bees also contribute to soil conservation.
They dig tunnels in the ground for their nests, helping to aerate the soil and improve its health and fertility.
| THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY BEES | DESCRIPTION | IMPACT ON THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE |
|---|---|---|
| CROP POLLINATION | Bees pollinate a wide variety of crops that are essential for our food, such as fruits, vegetables etc. | Without bees, the availability and diversity of these foods would decrease, which could lead to nutritional imbalances and an increased dependence on fewer foods. |
| PRODUCTION OF HONEY AND OTHER PRODUCTS | Bees produce honey, wax, propolis and royal jelly, all of which have uses in food, medicine and cosmetics. | These products contribute to human health and overall well-being, whether through direct nutrition (honey), use in medicines and supplements (propolis and royal jelly), or in personal care and home products (beeswax). |
| MAINTAINING BIODIVERSITY | By pollinating plants, bees help maintain and increase biodiversity, which in turn supports a variety of wildlife and contributes to healthy ecosystems. | Biodiversity is essential for the health of the planet and for ecosystem services such as water and air purification, waste decomposition and climate regulation. The loss of biodiversity can threaten these services and thus the quality of human life. |
| CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY | Bees contribute significantly to the economy through their role in agriculture in producing honey and other products. | Many communities and jobs depend on bees and beekeeping. The loss of bees could threaten these jobs and have a negative economic impact. |
