In a world where concrete is increasingly being used at the expense of nature, bees are slowly disappearing from the landscape. This is dangerous, because bees are not just insects… they are a pillar of life on Earth.
Amid this crisis, a simple yet powerful idea has emerged: bee gardens.
What are bee gardens?
They are small green spaces, which can be located in public parks, balconies, or even rooftops, planted with flowers and plants that attract bees and provide them with food and shelter.
Why are bees so important?
• Plant pollination: Bees are responsible for pollinating approximately 75% of food crops worldwide.
• Ecological balance: Without bees, food chains are disrupted, and plant diversity decreases.
• Supporting wildlife: Plants pollinated by bees provide food for other animals.
The Global Bee Crisis
In recent decades, bee numbers have declined due to:
• Chemical pesticides
• Habitat loss
• Climate change
• Diseases and parasites
These factors threaten global food security, making bee protection an environmental priority.
How can bee gardens save us?
Even if they are small, they can:
1. Provide bees with a steady source of nectar and pollen.
2. Restore green spaces to cities.
3. Raise environmental awareness among people, especially children.
4. Help restore the balance of local ecosystems.
How can we create a bee garden in our home?
• Choose bee-friendly plants and flowers: such as sunflowers, lavender, and rosemary.
• Avoid chemical pesticides.
• Provide a simple shelter: a wooden box or dry branches can become a home for wild bees.
• Plant year-round: to ensure food is available in all seasons.
Conclusion
Bees may seem small, but their impact on the planet is enormous. Bee gardens, no matter how small, can be a practical step to save them...and thus save ourselves, too.
Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq
Prepared by: Shahad Nawras Abbas