Every year on May 20, we celebrate World Bee Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for life on our planet.
The initiative to establish this international day originated in Slovenia, where beekeeping holds a special place in cultural heritage, tradition, and everyday life. In 2017, the United Nations officially proclaimed May 20 as World Bee Day at the initiative of Slovenian beekeepers and the Republic of Slovenia, in honour of the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping.
Bees play a crucial role in maintaining natural balance. Through pollination, they enable the growth of numerous plants, contribute to biodiversity, and significantly impact food production. According to the United Nations, nearly 75% of the world’s food crops and around 35% of global food production depend on pollination. Without pollinators, the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and many other crops would decline significantly, affecting both food security and the quality of our diet.
However, bees are not only important for food production. Their work supports the preservation of ecosystems, meadows, orchards, and forests, as they ensure the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen. Because of their essential role, bees are often considered one of the key pillars of natural balance.
Climate Change and Increasing Pressures on Bees
In recent decades, bees have been facing growing challenges. Among the greatest threats are climate change, habitat loss, intensive agriculture, and the use of pesticides. Climate change affects the flowering periods of plants and the availability of food sources for bees. Due to rising temperatures, plants often bloom earlier or for shorter periods, resulting in less stable food supplies for pollinators.
In addition, extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, late frosts, and sudden temperature fluctuations negatively impact the health of bee colonies and reduce their resilience. Experts warn that pollinator populations are declining at an alarming rate in some parts of the world. The European Commission estimates that nearly one in ten species of bees and butterflies in Europe is threatened.
Another important factor is the decline in biodiversity. As meadows, hedgerows, and flowering areas disappear, bees lose essential habitats for feeding and development. This is why preserving green spaces and promoting sustainable environmental management are becoming increasingly important.
Why Supporting Local Beekeepers Matters
Local beekeepers play an important role in preserving beekeeping traditions, protecting native bee species, and producing high-quality honey and other bee products. Slovenia is particularly known for the Carniolan honey bee, an indigenous Slovenian bee species renowned for its calm temperament, diligence, and excellent orientation skills. It is considered one of the most respected bee species in the world.
At a time when store shelves are often filled with honey of questionable origin or products containing blends from different countries, choosing local honey is becoming increasingly important. Local honey is generally more traceable, of higher quality, and produced in a familiar and controlled environment. By purchasing from local beekeepers, consumers support domestic knowledge, local economies, and sustainable production practices.
Slovenia has a particularly strong connection with beekeeping. According to the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, Slovenia has more than 11,000 beekeepers, placing the country among the European nations with the highest number of beekeepers per capita.
Sustainability and Local Offerings in the Brežice Destination
Sustainability is one of the key values of the Brežice destination, which is part of the Slovenia Green scheme and proudly holds the Slovenia Green Platinum label. Through sustainable development, support for local providers, and preservation of natural heritage, the destination strives to create a high-quality living environment for both residents and visitors.
We are proud that the collective brand Brežice Izbrano also includes local honey and bee product providers – Ferenčak, Volovec, Ogorevc, and Omerzu – who, through their dedication, knowledge, and respect for nature, contribute to the authentic local offer of the destination.
World Bee Day reminds us each year of the importance of acting responsibly towards nature. Even small actions can contribute significantly to protecting bees and creating a more sustainable future – by planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, supporting local beekeepers, and choosing quality local products.
Protecting bees means protecting natural balance, food security, and biodiversity for future generations.
