Mexico observes National Bee Day to promote pollinator conservation

August 17 is recognized as National Bee Day in Mexico, a designation established by the Senate to highlight the environmental, social, and economic importance of pollinators. Bees are vital to sustainable food production, with approximately 84% of human food crops requiring pollinators to maintain yield and quality.

In Mexico, honey production is a significant economic driver. Data from the Servicio de Información Agroalimentaria y Pesquera (SIAP) indicated that in 2017, honey production reached 51,066 tonnes, valued at 2.19 billion pesos. Key contributing states include Jalisco, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Yucatán, which together account for roughly 40% of national production. Mexico is also home to over 2,100 bee species, making it the second most diverse country in this regard.

Despite their importance, bee populations face severe threats. Scientists warn of extinction risks, noting that global populations have declined by up to 90% due to factors such as massive deforestation, loss of nesting sites, lack of flowers, uncontrolled pesticide use, and soil changes.