Why bees are critical for achieving sustainable development
2020/04/20 by Vidushi Patel, Natasha Pauli, Eloise Biggs +3 · 243 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Agriculture #Biology #Ecology #Economics #Environmental planning #Environmental resource management #Food security #Geography #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Insect and Pesticide Research #Plant and animal studies #Pollen #Pollination #Sustainable development
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s13280-020-01333-9
published in AMBIO 50(1), 49-59 (Springer Science+Business Media)
openalex publication_date 2020/04/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Abstract
Reductions in global bee populations are threatening the pollination benefits to both the planet and people. Whilst the contribution of bee pollination in promoting sustainable development goals through food security and biodiversity is widely acknowledged, a range of other benefits provided by bees has yet to be fully recognised. We explore the contributions of bees towards achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our insights suggest that bees potentially contribute towards 15 of the 17 SDGs and a minimum of 30 SDG targets. We identify common themes in which bees play an essential role, and suggest that improved understanding of bee contributions to sustainable development is crucial for ensuring viable bee systems.
Citations
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