Nearly three quarters of the plants responsible for producing 90% of the world's food rely on pollinators. Bees, in particular, play a crucial role in one third of the world's food production. This means that every third spoonful of food you consume has been made possible through the pollination efforts of bees. Additionally, bees produce honey, a nutritious substance rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit our diets.

John Ward, representing the Isle of Man Beekeepers' Federation for UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, emphasizes the urgency of taking immediate action to address the decline of bees, which poses a critical threat. The current rates of species extinction, largely driven by human activities, are alarming and exceed normal levels by 100 to 1,000 times. In fact, approximately 35% of invertebrate pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and around 17% of vertebrate pollinators, including bats, are at risk of extinction globally.

Albert Einstein once remarked that if bees were to disappear from the Earth, humanity would only have four years left to live. This statement underscores the vital importance of bees in maintaining our ecosystems and food supply. If the decline of bees continues unchecked, we may witness a concerning shift in crop diversity, with nutrient-rich foods being replaced by staple crops like rice, corn, and potatoes, leading to dietary imbalances.

Pollination is a fundamental process essential for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species and over 75% of the world's food crops rely entirely or partially on animal pollination, covering 35% of global agricultural land. Pollinators not only contribute directly to food security but also play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity.