Without bees, life on earth would slowly fall silent. They pollinate around three-quarters of all crops and over 80% of the world's wildflowers – an invaluable contribution on which our entire ecosystem depends. But it is precisely these little helpers that are under increasing pressure.

In Cyprus, too, beekeepers have been observing an alarming decline in bee colonies for years. Heat waves last longer, flowers dry out earlier, and in some regions there is hardly any nectar left. Climate change clearly shows what it is doing: it is throwing the finely tuned interaction between bees, plants and seasons out of balance.

In addition, there are other burdens. Intensive agriculture, the use of pesticides and the loss of natural habitats make it difficult for insects to survive. Many beekeepers report that their colonies go into winter weakened and have difficulty recovering.

But there is also resistance on the island. More and more people are relying on sustainable beekeeping, organic farming methods and education. Old Cypriot techniques, such as the use of clay tubes and natural honeycombs, are experiencing a renaissance – combined with modern research and targeted protection of the wild bee population.

School projects and local initiatives promote awareness of the importance of these animals. Children learn how important bees are for our diet and environment, and some schools already run their own small beehives.

However, experts warn that time is pressing. Without concrete measures to adapt to climate change, protect the flora and avoid hazardous chemicals, the island's bee colonies could decline dramatically in the coming years.

But there is also hope: Cyprus has the potential to become a pioneer of environmentally friendly, sustainable beekeeping in the Mediterranean region. If islanders, farmers and authorities act together, the buzzing of bees can remain part of the Cypriot summer for a long time to come.

While the island's insects are fighting for survival, Cypriot beekeepers warn: People must put aside their fear of bees – and finally look at them with curiosity and respect.

Without bees, our world would slowly collapse. These tiny pollinators secure around 75 percent of all crops and over 80 percent of flowering plants worldwide. Although they have been buzzing across the earth since the time of the dinosaurs, they are now one of the most endangered species in our ecosystem. From the almond plantations of California to the citrus groves of Cyprus, bee colonies are shrinking – victims of climate change and human intervention in their fragile habitats.

Beekeepers all over the island are experiencing first-hand what climate change means. Longer heat waves cause nectar sources to dry up, and bees fight for survival long before honey can even be harvested. Despite all these challenges, many Cypriot beekeepers are responding with new ideas: they combine age-old traditions with modern, sustainable concepts – such as migrating beehives in the mountains, educational parks for visitors and agritourism projects. This creates new ways to protect bees and all the biodiversity that depends on them.

"Our bees were fighting for survival"

"Last summer, the temperature rose to 46 degrees – our bees were literally fighting for survival," says Demos Metaxas of Apianthos, a beekeeping farm whose migratory hives follow seasonal blooms along mountainous regions. For him, beekeeping is not an act of control, but of living together. "We work with nature," he explains. "Our methods are synergistic and holistic."

The situation in the Troodos Mountains is emblematic of the entire island: fewer and fewer bee colonies, ever weaker honey harvests. Long, dry summers, the improper use of pesticides and the loss of wild flora are to blame. But initiatives such as the migratory hives of Apianthos or the "Adopt a Hive" program of Oros Machera, in which companies can sponsor beehives, show a growing trend towards awareness and environmental responsibility.

"Migrating with the seasons keeps our colonies strong," says Metaxas. In her botanical bee park in Galata, every step of the process is based on the same principle: balance. The beehives are made of untreated wood, the wax is reused, and pest control is carried out exclusively with self-produced, organic agents.

When the nectar evaporates before the bees find it

But even with so much care, the consequences of climate change cannot be stopped. "Last summer, the nectar evaporated before the bees could even reach it," Metaxas recalls. "We have lost colonies, honey production has collapsed massively. You can give them shade, but no one can control the weather."

A few valleys away, the Oros Machera team in Melini shares the same concern. The beekeeping there has existed for over 40 years – and observes how extreme weather conditions and construction projects destroy the flora. "In the past, our bees produced more honey and were healthier overall," says Maria Solomonidou. "But the summers are hotter today and the flowers less so."

To stop the decline, Oros Machera relies on education and awareness. With workshops and the "Adopt a Hive" program, visitors learn how pollination works and why bees are indispensable for the ecosystem. "When people see the bees up close, their fear disappears," says Maria. "They understand how important these animals are to everything we eat."

Knowledge is the best protection

Education is the most powerful tool of beekeepers. Anyone who understands that almost every fruit, nut and vegetable is based on pollination begins to act. A single workshop, the beekeepers say, can completely change a person's perspective – from fear to fascination. "When people learn, they start to protect," says Metaxas.

Bees have played a central role in culture and health for centuries. Honey, wax and propolis have been used since time immemorial for their healing, antimicrobial properties – for the treatment of wounds and coughs as well as today in cosmetics and medicine. The latest research even shows that melittin, a component of bee venom, can destroy cancer cells in the laboratory.

Each individual can help – with small gestures: planting bee-friendly, native plants, avoiding pesticides in the garden or simply leaving wildflowers. Buying local honey also supports beekeepers and strengthens biodiversity. "Even a single beehive in your own garden," says Metaxas, "shows how closely everything is connected."

Hope despite heat waves

Despite the many challenges, Cyprus' beekeepers remain cautiously optimistic. Their commitment stands for a growing global awareness: the health of bees is inextricably linked to the health of our ecosystems. All over Europe, so-called "bee corridors" are being created – flower strips with native plants that connect habitats and offer bees safe routes between their food sources.

"Consciousness," says Metaxas, "is the beginning of every form of protection."






Author: MF Redaktion
Source: Guest Post