European Week of Bees and Pollination: Bee Mortality, should We BEE Concerned? 18.06.2013

The European Week of Bees and Pollination took place between 3-5 June 2013. The events were organized with the help of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (ULg), BeeOdiversity, and the Bees Biodiversity Network (France) through the support of Gaston Franco (Member of European Parliament). The unusual rate of bee mortality around the world has a significant impact on pollination and the production of fruits and vegetables. While a wide range of opinions and studies have surfaced in recent years to explain this phenomenon, they are often contradictory and some lacking scientific evidence. A good understanding of the issue is therefore needed in order for policy makers to make sound decisions and policies to protect bees. 4 June 2013, in Gembloux (Belgium), renowned scientists from around the world came together to give an overview of beekeeping and bee mortality in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Causes that contribute to bee mortality were discussed and key gaps in research were highlighted. 5 June 2013, at the European Parliament in Brussels, scientists joined policy makers to discuss current national and European strategies and further actions needed to stop the decline of bees. From 3 to 4 June 2013, the square in front of the European Parliament (Altiero Spinelli Building) was buzzing with a Bee Village, where the public wass invited to learn more about bees, speak with beekeepers, and even taste some local honey.

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