Albert Einstein once said if bees disappeared off the surface of the Earth, then humanity would have only four years of life left
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Today, a large number of pollinators like bees, butterflies are declining in abundance. Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival
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That's why the United Nations celebrates World Bee Day on May 20 every year to spread awareness of the significance of bees
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Established by the United Nations in 2017, this day highlights the critical role of bees in ensuring food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture
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May 20 also marks the birth anniversary of Anton Jansa, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, who was born in 1734
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Notably, bees are essential for our existence because a third of the world's food production depends on them
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They play a pivotal role in the environment by pollinating plants, which supports agriculture, promotes biodiversity, and ensures the survival of many plant species
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They provide high-quality food—honey, royal jelly and pollen and other products such as beeswax, propolis and honey bee venom. They also help reduce pollution
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However, they face challenges from human activities, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change
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That's why we need to protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping