István Nagy highlighted: more than two-thirds of food depends on bee pollination. About 20,000 beekeepers in Hungary assume the greatest responsibility for this, taking care of 1.2 million bee colonies. That is why the bee density in Hungary is among the highest in the world: 12 families per square kilometer, which ensures pollination, he underlined.
He pointed out: of the 25,000 to 35,000 tons of honey produced annually in the country, which is of outstanding quality even in the world, the population of the country consumes only one kilogram per person. The goal is to double this by 2030.
According to István Nagy, it is important that this message reaches more than 208,000 students in more than 1,000 institutions. At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that bees are true examples of cooperation, since their effectiveness lies in the strength of their community.
Marjan Cencen, ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, recalled at the event: the announcement of World Bee Day in 2014 was initiated by the Slovenian beekeeping association at the UN.
The purpose of the mission is to draw attention to the fact that bees are one of the most important elements of food security, sustainable development, biological diversity, adaptation to climate change, and the resilience of communities and peaceful coexistence, he said.
He underlined: pollinators are the keys to the health of the global ecosystem, as nearly 90 percent of wild plants, three quarters of food plants, and 35 percent of agricultural land depend on them. Since bees are threatened by human influences, recognition of their importance contributes to the success of conservation measures, and they contribute to the solution of humanity’s food supply problems.
He stated: Slovenia and Hungary share the same views regarding the protection of bees and healthy nutrition. Thanks to the similar natural environment, the local foods of the two countries are also similar in many respects, including honey.
Dezső Mészáros, managing director of SIO Eckes, said: as Hungary’s leading juice producer, the company supports the program with more than a thousand boxes of products. The focus of the cooperation between the company and the National Hungarian Beekeeping Association signed three years ago is the protection of domestic bees, SIÓ draws attention to the problem and possible ways of changing attitudes with a number of activities, he added.
He indicated: at the start of school this year, the company distributed thousands of flower seed packages in the country’s elementary schools, which, when planted as bee pastures, can effectively help pollinating insects.
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2024-11-15 14:29:00
How can individuals contribute to bee conservation in their communities?
Title: The Buzz on Bees: An Interview with a Pollination Expert
Editor Time.news: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into an essential topic that affects not only our plate but our entire ecosystem—the role of bees in pollination and food security. Joining us is Dr. István Nagy, a renowned expert on beekeeping in Hungary and a passionate advocate for bee conservation. Thank you for being here, Dr. Nagy.
Dr. István Nagy: Thank you for having me! It’s great to spread the word about these incredible pollinators.
Editor: To start, can you give us a sense of the scale of beekeeping in Hungary? I understand that the bee density here is one of the highest in the world.
Dr. Nagy: Absolutely. In Hungary, we have around 20,000 beekeepers managing approximately 1.2 million bee colonies. This translates to about 12 bee families per square kilometer, which is significant for pollination across our agricultural landscapes.
Editor: That’s impressive! Now, you mentioned that bees are responsible for pollinating more than two-thirds of our food. Can you explain why this is so crucial for food security?
Dr. Nagy: Certainly. Pollination is critical because nearly 90 percent of wild plants and three-quarters of food plants rely on pollinators. This includes not just fruits and vegetables but also nuts and seeds. Without bees, our food supply would drastically diminish, making food security an urgent concern.
Editor: That’s a staggering impact! I also read that Hungary produces between 25,000 to 35,000 tons of honey annually, yet the average consumption is only one kilogram per person. What are your goals in this regard?
Dr. Nagy: You’re correct—Hungary is known for its high-quality honey production. Our goal is to double honey consumption to two kilograms per person by 2030. This increase would not only benefit beekeepers but also help raise awareness about the importance of bees in our diet and ecosystem.
Editor: Speaking of raising awareness, you mentioned an educational initiative aimed at reaching over 208,000 students. What’s the key message you want to impart to the next generation?
Dr. Nagy: We want children to understand that bees exemplify teamwork and cooperation. Their effectiveness comes from their community structure, which is a brilliant model of collaboration. By educating them about the importance of bees, we are also teaching them about ecological responsibility and sustainability.
Editor: That’s fantastic! The global recognition of bees is gaining momentum, especially with events like World Bee Day. Can you explain the significance of this initiative?
Dr. Nagy: World Bee Day was initiated by the Slovenian beekeeping association and recognized by the UN in 2014 to highlight the vital role of bees in our ecosystems. This day serves as a reminder of their importance in food security, biodiversity, and resilience against climate change. It mobilizes action and awareness at many levels.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the threats facing bee populations due to human influence. What conservation measures do you advocate to ensure their survival?
Dr. Nagy: Promoting organic farming practices, reducing pesticide use, and creating habitats for bees are crucial steps. It’s also vital to recognize their role in food production—understanding that protecting bees means securing our own food supply. Community engagement and education can amplify these conservation efforts.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nagy, for this insightful conversation about the vital role of bees not just in Hungary but globally. Your advocacy for their protection and the emphasis on education is inspiring.
Dr. Nagy: Thank you for shining a light on this important topic. Together, we can raise awareness and work towards a healthier planet—one bee at a time!
Editor: Join us next time as we continue to explore how small creatures like bees significantly impact our lives and environment!