Bees in Crisis: Greece’s Driest Summer on Record
This summer has been the driest ever recorded in Greece. High temperatures, combined with the absence of rainfall, have created an extremely challenging environment, not only for people but also for bees and beekeepers. Particularly in the plains of Kopaida, in central Greece, the situation is bleak. The soil is dry, and crops have been scorched by the heat, severely limiting access to food sources for the bees.
Apiary in August at Kopaida plains, Central Greece
Bees Facing New Challenges
Bees rely on natural vegetation to collect pollen and nectar, which are essential for their survival and honey production. However, with the lack of rain and the destruction of plant life, bees are under intense pressure. These pollinators depend on specific plants, such as ivy, which bloom in the fall, to secure the necessary supplies for the winter. However, the delayed blooming due to the drought could drastically reduce their food sources.
Beekeepers, on their part, are watching the situation with concern, hoping that rain will come soon to allow vegetation to recover. Without rain, honey production could decrease significantly, and the health of the bees is at risk, increasing the likelihood of hive mortality.
Hives in a dry field
Supporting Bees and Beekeepers
Despite the difficulties, we remain optimistic. Beekeepers and environmentalists in Greece are working hard to manage the situation, implementing practices that help bees survive under harsh conditions. These measures include relocating hives to areas with better access to water and vegetation, as well as providing supplementary food for the bees.
Beekeepers in August move their hives to areas with pollen-rich blooms, such as Pilio in Thessaly or Vlahokerasia in the Peloponnese, eagerly awaiting the flowering of ivy and asparagus.
Dry fields and an apiary with very small population of bees
A Better Future for Honey Bees
Despite the current situation, there is hope. Forecasts indicate that rain will return in the coming months, providing much-needed relief to ecosystems and beekeepers. During this period, it is crucial to continue supporting the work of bees as well as the efforts of beekeepers to protect them.
Let us recognize the vital role bees play in pollination and food production and commit to supporting their survival through environmental actions and sustainable practices. The future of bees is closely tied to the future of our planet.
Another group of bee hives at a nearby hill
Three bee hives behind the dry thistles
