May 20 – World Bee Day: Bees as the Pillars of Life, Nature and Food Safety

As we mark World Bee Day on 20 May, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all beekeepers, beekeeping associations, and citizens whose dedication and work play a vital role in safeguarding bees and other pollinators.

Bees are irreplaceable in maintaining natural equilibrium and sustaining agricultural production. By pollinating a vast array of plants, they make possible the growth of many of the crops we consume daily. Given that over three-quarters of global food production depends on pollinators—either directly or indirectly—the protection of bees becomes a fundamental question of preserving life, public health, and the future of humanity.

Today, bees are under serious threat from climate change, environmental pollution, the unchecked use of pesticides, the spread of diseases, and the loss of their natural habitats. For this reason, protecting bee populations and securing the future of beekeeping requires a shared effort—one that brings together institutions, farmers, scientists, and citizens alike.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry remains committed to supporting the development of beekeeping through subsidy measures, educational initiatives, legislative improvements, and projects focused on protecting natural resources and boosting beekeeping in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

We also commend the ongoing efforts of the Beekeepers’ Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to champion the importance of beekeeping, protect bee populations and foster closer collaboration among beekeepers. As a full member of the European Beekeeping Association (EBA), the Association actively helps raise public awareness about the need to preserve pollinators while promoting modern, sustainable beekeeping practices.

We invite all citizens, institutions, farmers, and socially responsible organisations to do their part for bee preservation—by protecting our environment, planting melliferous plants, and using chemicals responsibly.