For centuries, humans have fostered a relationship with honeybees that is now integral to our way of life, providing food and medicine for our families. As the world population continues to grow and urban areas dominate the landscape, maintaining a balanced relationship with bees and the environment will be more important than ever. The United Nations reports that in 2017, 54% of the world’s population, almost four billion people, reside in urban areas. The U.N. projects that 56% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas by 2020, and 58% percent by 2025.
It may surprise you to learn that rural bees aren’t necessarily healthier or better off than urban bees. Urban bees have a winter survival rate of 62.5%, compared to just 40 % for rural bees. Urban bees also produce, on average, almost twice as much honey in their first year as their rural counterparts.
Over the past decade, bee populations have drastically declined due to colony collapse disorder (CCD). Researchers have been unable to identify a single cause, but a class of insecticides called neonicintinoids has been linked to bee disappearances around the country. Modern monoculture farming exposes rural bees to less diverse plant types and more of these harmful pesticides. Urban bees have access to a greater diversity of food and are not exposed to harsh chemicals used in agriculture.
Many assume that moving away from rural areas means sacrificing our relationship with bees, but this isn’t the case! Urban beekeeping has the potential to not only support healthy bee populations, but also support healthy urban communities.Urban beekeeping has the potential to not only support healthy #bee populations, but also support healthy urban communities. #health #communities Click To Tweet