BY INDY MAEALASIA

LOCAL beekeepers, farmers, and stakeholders have gathered yesterday to celebrate the Solomon Islands’ first-ever Bee Day, held under the theme “Bee inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All-Protectim and Strongim Bees for Future Blo Iumi.”

The event, part of the global World Bee Day commemorated annually on May 20, aimed to raise awareness about the critical role bees play in biodiversity, food security, the economy and sustainable development.

The celebration was organized 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 the Solomon Islands and the Honey Bee Working Committee.

In his keynote address, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Wasi, described the humble yet vital bee as far more than just a producer of honey.

“They are pollinators of crops that feed the world,” he remarked” In our own villages and farms- from the hills of Guadalcanal to the outer islands of Temotu- bees support the production of fruits, vegetables, root crops and nuts, thereby enhancing nutrition and livelihoods.”

“In short, bees are guardians of biodiversity and champions of food security,” he added.

The Minister also drew attention to the growing threats facing bee populations, citing climate change, habitat destruction, overuse of pesticides and the prevalence of bee diseases as major contributing factors to their decline.

“If we lose our pollinators, we lose much money than honey, we lose a key pillar of sustainable agriculture.”

The celebration featured a stakeholder exhibition, showcasing local honey products, bee-related research, community-led conservation efforts and participation from schools.

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