World Bee Day 2024: showing children how bees and pollinators make our world a better place

The theme of the sixth edition of World Bee Day was “Bee engaged with youth” and so the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels, together with colleagues from the European Commission’s DG ENV, organized a special event at the British School of Brussels for the 50 children of the BeesEco Club.  

An FAO expert connected from Rome, shared valuable insights on how to protect and enhance pollinator habitats, improving their abundance and diversity, and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices. 

Much to the joy of the pupils aged 7 to 11 years, DG ENV provided them with virtual reality goggles so that they could experience the European Commission's Pollinator Park.  

Adding to the day's enrichment, a member of the school’s faculty and daughter of a Maltese beekeeper who used to supply honey to the Queen of England, shared her experiences and knowledge with the children, who were invited to taste a variety of bee products. 

The interactive and engaging event aimed to raise awareness of the crucial role played by bees and various other wild pollinators in maintaining the health of our planet and people. It also highlighted the numerous challenges these vital creatures face today, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.  

In a lively session of questions and answers, the children demonstrated great interest and love for bees as well as their solid knowledge about pollinators, who are essential for our survival, supporting agriculture and biodiversity. 

A selection of pictures from the event can be found here.