Science Steps Up to Save the Bees: Here’s How We Can Help

It’s said that the chirping of birds is soothing to humans because birds fall silent only in the presence of predators. Something similar happens with the lazy hum of bees in the fields. It’s as if their increasingly muted buzzing serves as a warning signal of lurking danger. In reality, the absence of bees points to serious environmental issues, most of which are caused by human activity.

The decline in bee populations is driven by several factors, including pesticides, invasive species, wildfires, and climate change—all of which threaten these crucial pollinators. In Europe alone, one in t85en bee species is at risk of extinction. However, the scientific community, led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), is fighting back with a wealth of evidence and innovative projects.

What will you find in this article?

• The vital importance of bees
• An integrated approach of science and action
• Practical steps we can take
• The vast diversity of bees

The vital importance of bees

Let’s be clear about this: without bees, our food supply would quickly dwindle. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), out of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of the world’s food, 71 rely on bee pollination. Though their work often goes unnoticed, it is essential; their disappearance would spell disaster for biodiversity and human sustenance.

In recent decades, scientists, beekeepers, and farmers across Europe have watched with growing concern as bee populations decline and deteriorate. In response to this crisis, EFSA, with the backing of the European Parliament, has taken significant action. In 2015, it launched the MUST-B project, a comprehensive initiative designed to assess and address the various stressors that honeybees face.

Science and action: an integrated approach

The MUST-B project is just one of the many efforts EFSA is spearheading. This holistic approach doesn’t just focus on a single factor; it considers the combined impact of various threats, from pesticides and diseases to habitat loss. The aim is to build a solid scientific foundation that can inform effective policies for bee protection.

Leading initiatives include the development of safer pesticides and sustainable farming practices that balance agricultural productivity with the conservation of pollinators. Additionally, genetic and biological research is uncovering critical insights into bee health and behavior, which are helping to craft more effective conservation strategies.

For example, as part of the MUST-B project, a computational model called ApisRAM is being developed. This model simulates the behavior of bee colonies in realistic agricultural landscapes, allowing scientists to study the effects of multiple stressors on bees under varying environmental conditions.

How can we protect bees?

Beyond large-scale scientific efforts, each of us can contribute in small but meaningful ways to support bees. Even city dwellers can create more bee-friendly environments by cultivating balconies, terraces, or patios with flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout different seasons. Think of it as a small oasis for bees and other pollinators.

Diversity is key. Different flowers offer a wide range of nutrients, and it’s always better to choose local flora over exotic plants. Wild bees, which make up the majority of bee species, are particularly attuned to native wildflowers and prefer them.

The vast diversity of bees

While we often refer to bees as a single group, they encompass more than twenty thousand species worldwide. Their scientific name, anthophilus, means “lover of flowers” in Greek. Only one species, Apis mellifera, is used for honey production. The rest are wild bees, with over 2,000 species in Europe alone. Contrary to popular belief, three-quarters of these bees are solitary, meaning they do not live in colonies or swarms.

Bees do more than just sweeten our lives with honey; they are the unsung guardians of our biodiversity and food security. Science is rising to meet their call for help, but we all have a role to play. From your windowsill to the fields, every effort counts in protecting bees and ensuring they can continue their vital work.

Source:

• El País