Solomon Islands hosted its first-ever World Bee Day celebration today from 8am – 3pm at the Honiara City Council (HCC) Youth Hub Outdoor Court, located next to the Multipurpose Hall.

Under the theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All – Protectim and Strongarm Bees for Future Blo Iumi”, this event aims to raise awareness about the vital role of bees and other pollinators in food security, biodiversity and environmental sustainability, a MAL statement yesterday said.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) supported Bee Project – Strengthening beekeeping industries for production and livelihood in Solomon Islands, and the Honey Bee Working Committee as part of the work to revitalise the beekeeping and honey industry in Solomon Islands.

The programme will feature awareness and educational displays, community engagement activities, insights into local beekeeping efforts, and their impact on livelihoods and our environment, the statement said.

World Bee Day is an international event since 2018 which the United Nations has advocated and raised awareness on the critical role bees and pollinators play in the agri-food system and the health of our planet’s ecosystem. Bees and pollinators increasingly declining and threatened by habitat loss, unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change and pollution.