The Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth, has experienced an unusual flowering event in the middle of winter due to unseasonal rainfall. This rare phenomenon, last witnessed in 2015, has painted the desert with vibrant hues of fuchsia and white, but experts warn that the lack of pollinators due to low temperatures could hinder the reproductive cycle of these plants, potentially impacting the desert’s biodiversity in the long run.
Sir David Attenborough has made a passionate plea to British gardeners, urging them to postpone mowing their lawns until after next weekend to protect wildflowers and insect pollinators. He emphasizes the crucial role gardens play in supporting wildlife during the summer, particularly as traditional hay meadows have declined drastically.
World Bee Day 2024 marks the seventh anniversary of the inaugural event, highlighting the vital roles of bees and other pollinators. This year’s theme, “Bee engaged with Youth,” emphasizes youth involvement in beekeeping and conservation, recognizing them as future environmental stewards. The event is a collaborative effort organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with a key feature being the international forum “Bees for people, planet and peace” in Ljubljana from May 22-23. The forum brings together stakeholders to enhance cooperation in beekeeping and pollination practices for sustainable development goals, focusing particularly on Africa and future conservation actions.
