Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In 2018, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 May as World Bee Day. Each year, the date brings to the attention of the general public both the role that bees and other pollinators play in maintaining human and planetary health and the many threats they face today.

This year, World Bee Day is being celebrated at a challenging historical period as many countries continue to grapple with the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal is to foster global cooperation and solidarity efforts to address threats to food security and agricultural livelihoods caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on rehabilitating the environment and protecting pollinators.

The FAO Representative Office in Uzbekistan, together with the Association of Beekeepers of Uzbekistan, is implementing the Technical Cooperation Program "Support for the Sustainable Development of Beekeeping", which is aimed at improving the living standards of rural residents. At the same time, the Program contributes to the implementation of the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures for the further development of the beekeeping industry in the republic."

“Among our main tasks in the implementation of this Program is the introduction of innovative technologies in the beekeeping industry in Uzbekistan, the supply of new equipment, increasing the potential of educational institutions aimed at training beekeeping specialists, as well as facilitating the international exchange of experience by translating and adapting teaching aids, developing cooperation with foreign experts,” said Sherzod Umarov, Deputy FAO Representative in Uzbekistan. “In addition, an innovative information exchange system for beekeepers has been developed within the framework of the Program.”

This is a mobile application through which beekeepers will be able to receive all the necessary educational and statistical information, including data on the location of bee colonies, as well as early warning of the use of pesticides. It should be noted that during the implementation of the Program, attention is also paid to gender analysis when studying the value chains of the main beekeeping products in Uzbekistan.

World Bee Day provides an opportunity for representatives of governments, organizations, civil society and all conscientious citizens to step up measures to protect pollinators and their habitats, increase their numbers and diversity, and support beekeepers and the sustainable development of the beekeeping sector. Bees and beekeeping play an important role in nature and agriculture, provide a source of livelihood and decent employment in rural areas, and contribute to improving food security and nutrition.