May is the bee month of choice. World Bee Day is celebrated on 20 May, while the last week of May has been renamed "Bee Week". In Belgium, Maai Mei Niet ("Don't cut the grass in May") is also currently being promoted. These actions do not come out of the blue. In recent years, more and more experts have been trying to create awareness about the importance of bees. Numerous articles have appeared in the media in recent months about the threat to these winged creatures. Indeed, it is crucial for our ecosystem to continue to protect both honey bees and wild bees.

How can we protect bees?

Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem and are responsible for pollinating many of the crops we eat, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. About a third of the food we eat depends on pollination by bees. This means that if bees go extinct, it could have dramatic consequences for our food supply and the health of our planet.

Unfortunately, bees around the world are threatened by several factors, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticides and diseases. Moreover, according to the Flemish Bee Institute, the excess of paved gardens in Flanders also plays a major role in the dramatic decline of bee populations.

Planting bee-friendly plants and flowers in our gardens already helps us a long way. Reducing pesticide use and supporting local beekeepers will also remain crucial.

Between honey and habitat: the value of bees to our ecosystem

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem as pollinators of food and wild plants. The process of pollination is vital for maintaining biodiversity and sustaining healthy ecosystems. In addition, bees are an important food source for other animals in the ecosystem, such as birds and mammals. 

By protecting bees and preserving their habitat, we contribute to maintaining biodiversity and the resilience of our ecosystem. Understanding the value of bees and other pollinators can help us work to conserve these important animals and ensure that they continue to thrive.

Buzzing projects

There have been several projects in the past where Antea Group has inventoried bees to better understand their population and distribution. These included the bee inventory project in Gooik, in which wild bees were inventoried at various locations. In the roadside management plan of Kortenberg, an inventory of the Knautia bee (Andrena hattorfiana) was carried out. There was also an inventory project in Antwerp city park in which bees were one of the species groups inventoried. 

Besides the specific projects aimed at surveying bees, there are many other projects that take these important pollinators into account. These include sowing herb-rich roadsides and providing bee hotels in new layouts and design plans. Through all these projects, we can learn more about the diversity and distribution of bees and take targeted measures to protect and improve their habitat.

Did you know that...

More than 360 bee species can be found in Belgium alone? Many of them are even endangered. The honey bee, which is kept by beekeepers, is a special case in this respect because it is not found in the wild. Besides honey bees, there are also wild bees, such as solitary bees, which are often forgotten. Research shows that these hard workers, which mainly collect pollen and less nectar than honey bees, are better pollinators than honey bees. They may be smaller in number, but they perform better: one solitary bee can replace up to 120 honeybee workers! It is therefore important to protect not only the honey bee population, but also that of wild bees. Together, they ensure a healthy and diverse natural environment.

Protection of future generations

All in all, bees are therefore essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. By protecting bees and preserving their habitat, we contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.