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World Bee Day

May 20th annually

Slovenia proposed that the United Nations (UN) proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day. This date was chosen as it coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia. The UN unanimously approved Slovenia’s proposal on December 20, 2017 proclaiming May 20 as World Bee Day.


In designating a World Bee Day, the UN is seeking “to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.” 


“The greatest contribution of bees and other pollinators is the pollination of nearly three quarters of the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food. A third of the world’s food production depends on bees, i.e. every third spoonful of food depends on pollination.” 


For further information, see UN World Bee Day 20 May and 20 May World Bee Day.


Download this honey bee factsheet: HoneyBee

  • Wear yellow and black on May 20.
  • Take a look at the grade-level bee activities on The Honey Bee Conservancy website and build student knowledge about the importance of bees.
  • Make a Jeopardy game about bees to learn about the importance of pollinators. 
  • Invite an Ontario beekeeper into the classroom and learn about apiaries at Ontario Beekeepers' Association.
  • Protect dandelions! This is a good day to focus on keeping early flowers right where they belong: on the ground! Here is some background information for educators: Bees and Dandelions.
  • Be friends with the bees! Learn about pollination and bees in fun and hands-on ways. See Bee and Pollinator Activities for Kids.
  • Think like a bee! Where can you find pollen in early spring? Be a pollen detective and take out homemade “bee-noculars” to see where you might find pollen. Cut paper towel rolls in half and have students colour them yellow and black.
  • End of insect pollinated food? Have students investigate the implications of having to Pollinate By Hand for food due to the decline in bee populations.
  • Take a walk and have students make observations about the ecosystems they see. What insects do they see within them?
  • Catch the buzz about bees and research the diverse types of bees at Pest World for Kids.
  • Take action! Have students research about pollinator health in Ontario at Pollinator Health.