B

ees along with several species of moths, butterflies, beetles and flies are important insect pollinators that are responsible for pollinating several agriculturally and horticulturally important crop species, forest and orchard tree species, as well as numerous wild herbs, shrubs and trees that constitute the core framework of our fragile ecosystems.

In addition, some species of birds like hummingbirds, and some mammalian species like bats and small rodents are also known to serve as natural pollinators. Of all the pollinator species, native bee species hold special significance as they not only serve as natural pollinators but also serve as an important natural resource for producing natural honey and beeswax for highly profitable bee farming or the apiculture industry globally.

Bees and other insect pollinators are therefore absolutely important for global agriculture, horticulture, forestry industries and for securing natural ecosystems.

However, global bee populations are showing alarming signs of decline due to indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture, global warming and climate change, environmental pollution, lack of abundant bee foraging species hence bee nutrition to help them survive across seasonal fluctuations, diseases and parasitic infestations by other predatory insect species to mention only a few factors.

Hence, to secure the future of agriculture and the environment, it is absolutely necessary that the vanishing native bee species and other insect pollinators are saved from the dangers of extinction.  

It is therefore important to establish suitable bee habitats or bee sanctuaries with bee-friendly native herbs, shrubs and trees so that bees and other insect pollinators can access a constant supply of nectar and pollen grains to sustain their hives and are capable of growing their next generations without anthropogenic and natural disturbances.

Using pollinator seed mixtures consisting of legumes, oil seed plants as well as native and indigenous wildflower plant species can also serve effectively as bee sanctuaries to conserve bees and other insect pollinators.

Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge, Canada