World Bee Day a wake-up call
Protecting insects that pollinate 90% of crops
Since 2017, May 20 has been heralded as International Bee Day to raise awareness of the importance of bees in the world's ecosystem and the threats they face.
The East London Museum has been housing a living beehive since 1951.
The hive is divided into three sections – two honey chambers and a brood chamber.
The bees gain access to the hive through an air brick in a back wall, while a glass window into the hive allows museum visitors a unique glimpse into an active, buzzing hive.
The bee exhibition is available for viewing any time.
Derek Holder, of the East London Museum, says the hive is a point of interest at the museum.
“The hive has been at the museum for many years. It’s fascinating.
“We have eternal professionals who come in every so often to tend to the hive and do all the beekeeping. The public is welcome to view the bees any time,” said Holder.
Natural scientist Kevin Cole highlighted some of the main reasons bees are important in the ecosystem.
“Pollination is an essential mechanism in the maintenance of biodiversity conservation and for life in general on Earth.
“Some trees and plants which rely on bees in East London include the Coast Coral tree, Bitter Aloe, Umtiza tree, the Cape Chestnut and the Kei Apple to name a few,” Cole said.
“For humans, I’d say as the world’s most important pollinator of agricultural crops on which we rely, bees are critically important for the agricultural economy and food security.
“Worldwide bees pollinate more than 90% of the top agricultural crops [more than 100 different types] and many of these crops provide
micronutrients essential to humans. In this way bees are also assisting indirectly with essential vitamins which are required for good health.
“In SA, more than 50 different types of crops rely on
honeybees for pollination,” said Cole.
Bees are important pollinators of a variety of plants and trees in Buffalo City.
The use of pesticides and the deliberate destruction of hives
are two of the biggest threats to the survival of bees. Residents are encouraged to contact their local pest control or an apiarist if they have beehives on their premises or have issues with bees in their vicinity.