The role of bees in maintaining the stability of life on our planet is extremely important. These tiny, hardworking creatures not only increase the yield of fruits and flowers by pollinating them, but also provide us with pure and delicious honey. However, due to climate change, excessive use of pesticides, and deforestation, the bee population has declined drastically.
Keeping this concern in mind, 'National Urban Beekeeping Day' is celebrated every year on July 19th. Its purpose is to promote beekeeping in cities, to make people aware of it, and to convey a message of responsibility towards the environment.
Urban Beekeeping: Now Pure Honey is Available from Rooftops and Balconies Too
You may never have thought that beekeeping could be done on the roof of the apartment you live in! But it's true. In major cities around the world such as New York, Tokyo, Paris, and London, urban beekeeping is becoming commonplace on rooftops, in parks, and on balconies. Urban beekeeping is also gradually becoming popular in India. It is not only beneficial for the environment but also provides city dwellers with pure, organic, and local honey.
History: How did National Urban Beekeeping Day Begin?
This special day was started in 2019 by Detroit Hives, a Detroit-based non-profit organization in the United States. Its purpose was to promote beekeeping in cities and to give recognition to beekeepers. But if we go back in history, ancient Egyptians also kept bees in hives made of clay in cities. This is not a new discovery, but an ancient tradition that is now being re-adopted according to modern lifestyles.
Benefits of Urban Beekeeping: Why Adopt This Step?
1. Production of Pure Honey at the Local Level
By keeping bees at home or in the colony, you can get unadulterated organic honey.
2. Increase in Pollination and Better Crop Production
Bees revitalize your garden or surrounding greenery.
3. Contribution to Environmental Protection
It increases biodiversity and helps in environmental balance.
4. Awareness and Engagement in the Community
Urban beekeeping connects people with each other, increases children's curiosity to learn, and awakens a sense of collective responsibility.
How to Celebrate National Urban Beekeeping Day?
1. Join an Urban Beekeeping Workshop
Become a part of any program or workshop related to beekeeping in your city or region. By going there, get information from experts on how you can also get started.
2. Create a Bee-Friendly Garden
If you have a roof, balcony, or even a small space, plant flowers and plants in it that attract bees, such as basil, sunflower, lavender, etc.
3. Tell Children About the Importance of Bees
Talk to children about topics such as the benefits of honey, the life cycle of bees, and what our world would be like without them, or show them a documentary.
4. Buy Local Honey and Inspire Others Too
Buy honey from local beekeepers instead of supermarkets and support purity.
Possibilities of Urban Beekeeping in India
Amidst rapid urbanization in India, the time has now come for us to make urban beekeeping a part of our routine as well. Many startups and organizations in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are active in this direction. The government is also now promoting beekeeping through schemes like the "Swarn Jaivik Mission".
Some Health Benefits of Honey That You Must Know:
- Boosts immunity
- Relieves sore throat
- Helps in wound healing
- Helpful in weight loss
- Natural source of energy
Urban beekeeping is not just a hobby but a big step towards environmental protection. It not only increases greenery and biodiversity in cities but also connects society with natural life. Let us contribute to saving bees and making urban life greener on this National Urban Beekeeping Day.
