INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Bee Day

On World Bee Day, we learn something new about the creatures we share the planet with — and maybe fall a little more in love with the world.

MAY20

Thursday, May 20Every year on May 20

days to go

Roots: Established by the UN in 2017
Vibe: A day of awareness and appreciation.
Also on May 20: World Metrology Day · International Red Sneakers Day · Be a Millionaire Day
Hashtag: #WorldBeeDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World Bee Day.

Learn something specific about the species — one surprising fact.
Donate to an organization doing real work for them.
Choose one product at the store with the animal's welfare in mind.
Share what you learn with a kid who'll care.
Spend 10 minutes outside looking for them or their tracks.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Watch one short documentary together about the animal and talk about what you learned.
Kids
Help them research it, then have them teach you one new fact at dinner.
Couples
Plan a zoo, aquarium, or sanctuary visit and go as a real date.
Office
Share a quick 'did you know' on the team chat or a lunchtime Learning session.
School
Run a one-day classroom mini-project about the species and its ecosystem.
Community
Donate to or volunteer with a conservation nonprofit focused on the animal.
Just me
Read one long-form article about them. Let yourself get into it.

Fast facts

Bees pollinate about 75% of global crops.

Over 20,000Species of bees exist worldwide.

The story

World Bee Day, observed every year on May 20, was established in 2017 by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators. This date was chosen to honor Anton Janša, an influential beekeeper from Slovenia, whose work in the 18th century helped advance the field of apiculture. The day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that bees play in maintaining biodiversity and food security across the globe, with one-third of the food we consume being dependent on pollinators.

Read the full story

In the United States alone, honeybees contribute over $15 billion annually to the economy through their pollination services. As climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use threaten bee populations, the significance of World Bee Day has grown. Events and activities are organized worldwide, ranging from educational workshops to community gardening projects, to foster a greater understanding of how to protect these essential creatures.

Celebrations often include local farmers' markets, where consumers can buy honey and other bee products, reinforcing the connection between bees and the food on our tables. Many organizations also use this day to launch campaigns aimed at preserving bee habitats and promoting sustainable farming practices. Engaging with local beekeepers can offer firsthand insights into their vital work and the challenges they face.

Ultimately, World Bee Day is about more than just bees; it's about understanding the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the critical role that all pollinators play in our survival. By taking action, whether through planting bee-friendly plants, supporting local honey producers, or advocating for policies that protect pollinators, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.