Bee Ecocide Could Lead to More Devastation

About 300,000 bees died recently in Campeche due to the use of pesticides, reports the Ministry of Agricultural Development (SADER). As three out of every four food crops globally depend on bees and other pollinators, the recent “ecocide” could worsen food availability. 

The intensive use of pesticides caused significant damage, impacting 5,000 hives and resulting in the ongoing death of bees on a weekly basis. The incident also led to the contamination of thousands of tons of honey and the estimated economic losses are projected to be at least US$667,000.  

Campeche senators stressed that 75% of the world’s food production depends on pollinating insects. Mexico is the 9th largest producer of honey in the world and earns US$100 million from the sale of honey and its derivatives. 

The loss of bees in Mexico also hampers its ability to combat climate change, says Adriana Correa Benítez, Professor, UNAM. Beyond pollinating crops consumed by humans, bees also play a crucial role in pollinating native plants that maintain the balance of entire ecosystems, says Correa. "They don't just pollinate what we eat, they also pollinate native plants that regulate the entire ecosystem. And now, with climate change, reforestation is so important and [bee pollination] really influences that."

Climate change poses a major threat to ecosystems, human health and global well-being. “Shifting climate patterns are resulting in a rise in the frequency and severity of weather and climate phenomena that have both immediate and long-term consequences for health, elevating the chances of fatalities, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the transmission of infectious diseases and health emergencies. In 2016, approximately 24% of global deaths were attributed to environmental factors that are potentially modifiable, highlighting their preventable nature,” says Alex Bolbrugge, President Mexico, Marsh.