Raising awareness on the role of bees and pollinators in food and agriculture

On Monday 20 May 2019, the second World Bee Day was held at FAO HQ in Rome. Last year it was observed for the first time in the Republic of Slovenia.

The main aim of the day was to focus public attention on the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators and their role in food and agriculture.  The focus was to remind everyone that we depend on pollinators for our existence but their existence is being threatened because of human activities. This day was envisioned as “an opportunity to recognize the role of beekeeping, bees and pollinators in increasing food security, improving nutrition, fighting hunger and providing key ecosystem services for agriculture”  – José Graziano da Silva, Director General of the FAO.

The event was opened by Bukar Tijani (Assistant Director-General of the FAO), H.E. Aleksandra Pivec (Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia), and Boštjan Noč (President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association).