Make Those Bees Great Again

Make Those Bees Great Again

By Janpha Thadphoothon

Bees are not our enemies - they are our best friends. In this blog post, I argue for the inclusion of bees and the need to allow other living things such as bees and plants to co-exist on the Earth.

Very often we destroy their habitats and regard them as a nuisance or dangerous insects—they are not.

As a matter of fact, I am sure you would agree with me that our relationship with bees has become somewhat strained over the past few decades. We see them as little buzzing creatures that might sting us, a threat to our backyard barbecues, or a mere inconvenience when they build a nest in a corner of our homes. But in my opinion, this couldn't be further from the truth. We need to re-evaluate this relationship and fundamentally, it is all about recognizing their crucial role in our ecosystem.

I notice that many people, especially in urban areas, have a deep-seated fear of bees. Based on the first impression, they look like a flying needle with a stinger at the end. I must admit that as a child, I too was a bit wary. Gradually, I began to understand their true nature and their importance. I’d like to entertain you with the idea that bees are not just insects; they are essential partners in our survival. What we all know and agree upon is that without them, our world would be a very different, and much poorer, place.

Let's be a bit more scientific. Experts say that bees are responsible for pollinating a vast majority of the world's crops. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that they are directly or indirectly responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. What's more interesting is that it's not just about fruits and vegetables. They pollinate crops that feed livestock, which in turn provides us with meat and dairy. So, when you sit down for a meal, there is a very high probability that a bee played a part in getting that food onto your plate. My conviction is that we owe them a debt of gratitude, not a swat of a newspaper.

Critics such as those who prioritize immediate urban development over environmental concerns would tell you that we can simply replace their function with human labor or technology. They argue for the use of manual pollination techniques or even robotic bees. Some argue against the notion that bees are irreplaceable, believing that technology will always find a way to overcome nature’s challenges. However challenging, I determine to make it clear that while these technologies might offer a partial solution, they can never fully replicate the efficiency and scale of a natural bee population. The news has it that some places are already experimenting with manual pollination, but let's be realistic—can you imagine hand-pollinating every single apple tree, almond tree, and berry bush in the world? It's a logistical nightmare and a financial impossibility on a global scale.

As we know, bees are in trouble. Globally, bee populations are declining at an alarming rate. People say that this phenomenon is driven by a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases. I am not sure but I guess it is a wake-up call for humanity. We are destroying the very things that sustain us. They say that "when the last bee dies, humanity will follow." While that might sound like a dramatic overstatement, it highlights the gravity of the situation. I somehow think it is a matter of time before we feel the full impact of their decline.

You may wish to picture this scenario: a world without almonds, apples, cherries, blueberries, and even coffee. A world where our plates are less colorful, our diets are less nutritious, and our ecosystems are in collapse. This is not a futuristic sci-fi movie; it is a potential reality if we continue down this path. I know you would agree with me that this is a future we must avoid at all costs.

Having said that, I realize that the challenge is immense. The past is the past, but we need to learn from it. Those were the days when everything was simple, but now we have to deal with complex environmental issues. Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that we can turn this around, though I could be wrong. We can "make those bees great again." But how?

First of all, we need to address the issue of habitat loss. As a language teacher, I often use analogies to explain complex ideas. Let me introduce you to the notion of "bee-friendly landscapes." It's a simple concept, but incredibly powerful. It means planting flowers and trees that provide nectar and pollen for bees. It means letting a corner of your garden grow wild with native wildflowers instead of a perfectly manicured lawn. In Thailand, for example, we can plant more local flowering plants like Dok Khon (Golden Shower Tree) or Dok Bua (Lotus) that are native to the region and provide sustenance for local bee species. It’s a small step, but a crucial one. What's more, it's not just for farmers or environmentalists; every single one of us can do this.

Then ultimately, we need to reconsider our use of pesticides. It has perplexed me how we can so readily use chemicals that are known to harm pollinators. My gut tells me that the profit motive often overrides environmental concerns. People say that these pesticides are necessary to ensure high crop yields and protect our food supply. I must admit that this is a valid point. However, wisdom from the past hints that there are more sustainable and organic farming practices that can be used. We need to invest in research and development of alternatives that are less harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Make no mistake, this is a global challenge, and it requires a global solution.

According to the media, many countries are starting to ban certain neonicotinoid pesticides, which are particularly harmful to bees. This is a positive step, and I hope more governments will follow suit. But that’s not all, as the saying goes "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." We as consumers have the power to influence this change. By choosing to buy organic produce and supporting local farmers who use sustainable practices, we are sending a clear message to the industry. We are saying that we care about our food, our environment, and our bees.

One may ask what "co-existence" is. I'd like to define it as the ability for humans and other species to share the planet in a way that is mutually beneficial and sustainable. It means recognizing that we are not the sole inhabitants of this Earth and that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of every other living thing. It is my personal belief that this is the core of a truly sustainable future. Those were the good old days for some, but like it or not, the world moves on, and we must adapt our mindset.

I think the most important thing we can do is to change our perception. Instead of seeing a bee as a potential threat, we should see it as a valuable asset. My conviction is that we need to educate ourselves and the younger generation about their importance. As a language teacher, I often introduce topics like this in my classes to promote a broader perspective among my students. I like the idea of teaching children from a young age that bees are our friends. We should teach them to respect nature, not to fear it.

Indeed, bees are a symbol of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence indicates a thriving natural environment. What's more, they are not just about pollination. They produce honey, a natural sweetener with medicinal properties. They also produce beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly, all of which have numerous applications in medicine and cosmetics. So, they provide us with a multitude of benefits, and it's time we start appreciating them for it.

Fundamentally, I would argue that it is all about empathy and responsibility. We have a moral obligation to protect the creatures that share this planet with us. People say that bees are resilient, and they can bounce back if we give them a chance. I hope they are right. I could be wrong, but somehow I think it is our last chance to rectify our mistakes and make things right.

As we know, bees have existed for millions of years, long before humans. They have survived countless environmental changes, but the current threats posed by our actions are unprecedented. It has perplexed me how we can be so short-sighted. Are we so blinded by our own progress that we cannot see the harm we are causing?

No one knows everything, but I would like to believe that we are capable of change. We have the knowledge, the technology, and the resources to make a difference. It's just a matter of political will and individual action. Let's start with our own backyards. Let's plant some bee-friendly flowers. Let's avoid using harmful pesticides. Let's talk to our friends and family about the importance of bees.

To conclude, I am sure you would agree with me that bees are not our enemies. They are our allies, our friends, and our partners in survival. They are a testament to the incredible interconnectedness of life on Earth. So let's do our part to "Make Those Bees Great Again." We owe it to them, and we owe it to ourselves.