The last decade has shown a worldwide decline in bee populations. Bee colonies are disappearing so rapidly and dramatically that they are at risk of extinction. It is estimated that the average annual loss of bee colonies in Europe is between 20% and 30%. The United Nations data shows that extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times higher than expected due to these reasons:

1. Pesticide use – causing disorientation and inability to return to hives
2. Diseases and parasites – severely weakening bee immunity
3. Habitat loss – urbanization and intensive monoculture agriculture
4. Climate change – extreme weather events and droughts disrupt flowering

Although honeybees are the most well-known, wild bee species make up most pollinators and have an irreplaceable role in maintaining biodiversity. Croatia alone has over 700 species of wild bees, while Europe has around 2000. Urbanization, deforestation, and the reduction of meadows and pastures particularly affect them, as well as undeniable climate change. Over a hundred species of wild bees in Europe are already listed as endangered on the Red List of European Bees. And they are even more important than honeybees because they are more numerous.

And one more thing – Who do you think pollinates coffee?