A World Without Pollinators:
There Is No Plan Bee
Honey bees alone are responsible for $30
billion (almost £23 million) worth of crop growth per
year. Currently in the UK there are 250 native species of bee; and
while this may sound like a healthy number, three species are
already extinct, two are critically endangered and many more are
seriously declining in number.
The dangers facing bees and other pollinators has become an
increasing public concern. Across the UK, small action groups
are working hard in their
local towns to help tackle the problems, with more
initiatives being brought forward on a national scale. However,
with the numbers in such dramatic decline, it is more crucial than
ever to raise awareness of the vital role that bees and other
pollinators play in our agricultural and eco systems, and the
catastrophic effect their extinction could have on the human
population.
What's Good for the
Bee Is Good for The Whole Hive
It is estimated that as much as one third of the food that we
consume daily relies on pollination mainly by bees, but also by
other insects, birds and bats. As well as ensuring the survival of
crops, bees and other pollinators are also responsible for the
survival of numerous species of wildflowers and plants. If these
plants are lost, it could create a disastrous knock-on
effect: all the animals that eat those plants could
subsequently be lost and this would continue up the food chain.
Which means a world without bees could struggle to sustain the
global human population of 7 billion.
Two of the main reasons for the global decline in wild
pollinators are climate change and industrial agriculture. The
widespread use of pesticides and continued urban spread has seen a
large-scale destruction in safe and natural habitats. The loss of
biodiversity and lack of forage due to pesticides are an added
danger, with pollinators confined to tiny fragments of habitat as
substantial areas of wild-flower rich habitat become increasingly
sparse.
Protect Our
Pollinators
With the potential threats the planet so dramatic, people are
becoming increasingly keen to learn what small steps they can take
to help create a more sustainable environment for bees and other
pollinators. One suggestion is to combat the destruction of habitat
by learning how to make your own garden more
'pollinator-friendly'. Key things to consider are refraining
from using pesticides or harmful weed-killers and carefully
choosing pollinator-friendly flowers and plants to attract bees and
other such insects to your garden.
Another recommendation is to allow for areas of wild-growth in
your space. The trend of perfectly manicured lawns may look
aesthetically pleasing, but it does little to attract biodiversity
to your space. Many aren't keen to let their gardens grow wild and
free, so consider perhaps having a wild section or
two, and comfort yourself with the knowledge that you are
playing your part is sustaining these important creatures.
A Commitment to Our
Planet
Small steps by individuals can combine to make big changes, but
to truly combat the threats to wild pollinators we must commit to
maintaining a sustainable lifestyle and encourage others to do the
same. Look for local initiatives in your area, like the Crediton
Bee Project. If there aren't any then mobilise your neighbours to
create one or lobby your local council to make a commitment to
ensuring the conservation of our pollinators. After all, we owe
them.
Karoline Gore