Pollinate to preserve life on the planet

With the theme Inspired by nature to nourish us all, the United Nations called for the celebration of World Bee Day on May 20, with the aim of raising awareness of the value of pollinators, particularly these species for the life of the planet.

The celebration also recalls that the well-being of these insects is a direct reflection of the ecological, food and social health of the world.

Researchers agree that pollination is a key factor in the reproduction of flora, since the exchange of pollen accelerates the development of flowering plants, as well as seeds and fruits.

Although many species travel miles to forage from flower to flower in search of nectar or pollen, honeybees are considered to be the ones with the most important power in plant fertilization.

In addition to producing honey, wax, propolis and pollen, they are responsible for pollinating around 75 % of the world's crops, from fruits and vegetables to seeds, thus contributing to the improvement of crops and food production.

Dedicating May 20 to bees was a decision taken by the UN after the massive deaths of these insects in Europe from 2004 to 2006, whose possible causes are linked to the use of pesticides and fertilizers, or to the effects of climate change.

The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Anton Jansa, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in Slovenia, his homeland.

Cuba joins these festivities with the boom of its apiaries, with greater emphasis on beekeeping species, which reach great honey potential for exportable purposes.

In this regard, the highest authorities in the country agree in describing beekeeping as an exciting and ideal activity to promote territorial development strategies.

In recent times, there has been a resurgence in the production of melipona bees, also known as bees of the earth, which has reached a strong increase among producers and enthusiasts of the Cuban archipelago.

The products obtained from meliponiculture are of high quality, with proven medicinal properties of this species native to Latin America, about which knowledge is preserved within a millenary culture.

It would be profitable to attend in turn to the obtaining of the different assortments that provide the melipona bees, among which are the honeys, with high price in the international market, much above the commercialization of the items of the beekeeping genus.