Bees are vanishing — Here's why it matters for the planet
Why the number of bees is decreasing in Ukraine (photo: Freepik)
Ukraine is recording a decline in bee populations, which could have serious consequences for crop yields. The primary reason for this is the uncontrolled use of insecticides in agriculture, according to Yevhenii Khalaim, junior researcher at the National Nature Park "Tuzlivski Lymany" and leading specialist at the Odessa Testing Phytosanitary Laboratory of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
Beekeepers report bee deaths
According to the expert, bees are key pollinators for most cultivated plants, especially fruit trees. Their disappearance can lead to lower crop yields.
"Unfortunately, this is reality, not a horror story. Many beekeepers, even here in the Odesa region, have noticed that bees are dying. They really are important pollinators of various plants, and the loss of bees will lead to crop failures and possible food shortages," Khalaim said.
Main cause is pesticides
The scientist explains that the primary factor in bee deaths is the excessive and uncontrolled use of insecticides.
"We have a list of approved products, but we cannot always say exactly how they affect bees in the long term. Many have a cumulative effect: a single application does not kill the hive, but if done every year, it can be harmful," the entomologist explained.
Ukraine is only beginning to monitor
The expert noted that in Europe, all apiaries are already cataloged and under constant observation. In Ukraine, this process is still in its early stages.
"We are only now moving toward tracking the number of hives and colonies. For us, this is a long-term goal," Khalaim added.
