World Bee Day 2025: Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all

Every year on May 20, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Bee Day, a moment to reflect on the vital role bees and other pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems—and our food systems—alive. In 2025, the theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All” is a powerful reminder that these small but mighty creatures are essential to our survival and well-being.

Why May 20? A nod to a beekeeping pioneer

World Bee Day falls on the birthday of Anton Janša, born on May 20, 1734, in the small Slovenian village of Breznica. Janša came from a long line of beekeepers and became a pioneer of modern apiculture. His dedication led him to become the first official beekeeping teacher in the Habsburg Empire. His books and teaching methods shaped how generations of beekeepers cared for bees—practices that continue to resonate today.

It was thanks to Slovenia’s proposal in 2016, and with support from organizations like Apimondia, that the United Nations declared World Bee Day in 2017, with the first observance taking place in 2018.

Why bees matter

Bees are more than just honey-makers. Alongside other pollinators like butterflies, bats, and birds, bees are key players in the production of over 75% of the world’s food crops. Their pollination work directly impacts food security, biodiversity, and the health of ecosystems. In fact, pollinators affect the output of 87 of the top food crops worldwide, making their contribution to global agriculture irreplaceable.

However, bees are under increasing threat due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and pollution. The decline in bee populations is alarming, and World Bee Day calls on us to take urgent action to protect them.

Please also read: Bee-friendly forest

A call to protect pollinators

World Bee Day 2025 is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. It highlights how protecting pollinators can help solve broader global challenges, such as:

• Eradicating hunger, especially in developing countries
• Preserving biodiversity
• Reversing ecosystem degradation
• Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to create and support policies that promote sustainable agriculture, protect pollinator habitats, and raise awareness about bees’ indispensable role in our food systems.

Bee-centric education in action: Bienenlehrpfad Göriach

One shining example of pollinator education is the Bienenlehrpfad (Bee Educational Trail) in Göriach, Lungau, Austria. This family-friendly trail offers 15 interactive stations where visitors of all ages can learn about bees, their environment, and beekeeping. From sensory stations to visual displays and guided tours, it’s an immersive experience designed to connect people with nature—and inspire action.

Open from May through October, this trail serves as a model for how local initiatives can make a global impact by educating communities and fostering appreciation for pollinators.

What you can do

You don’t have to be a beekeeper to make a difference. Here are a few ways you can help bees today:

• Plant native flowers and avoid using harmful pesticides in your garden
• Support local honey producers and eco-friendly farmers
• Raise awareness in your community about pollinator-friendly practices
• Advocate for policies that protect pollinators and natural habitats

A shared responsibility

Bees inspire us not only through their industriousness but also through the way they embody balance and cooperation with nature. As we celebrate World Bee Day 2025, let us “bee inspired” to take collective action to safeguard these tireless workers—and in doing so, secure a healthier planet for generations to come.