Solomon Islands joins the global call to recognise the vital role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining people, livelihoods and the environment in commemoration of World Bee Day which falls today May 20th 2026.
This year’s global theme, “Bee together for people and the planet – A partnership that sustains us all,” highlights the close relationship between people and pollinators, and the importance of supporting beekeeping systems that are inclusive, sustainable and locally relevant.
In Solomon Islands, beekeeping contributes to rural income, improved yield and quality for pollination dependent crops, biodiversity and is an income stream that is accessible to women and marginalised communities. At the same time, beekeepers continue to face real challenges, including a lack of access to quality training, honey bee pest and disease threats including the Varroa mite and the ongoing need for stronger coordination across producers, government, researchers and development partners.
With support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Bee Research and Extension Lab at Southern Cross University in Australia, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) is improving the quality of locally available beekeeping training, conducting research on honey bee pest and diseases, nutrition and genetics and supporting the formation of a Solomon Islands Beekeeping Association to support a sustainable, profitable and inclusive honey bee industry in Solomon Islands.
“On World Bee Day 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnerships that protect pollinators and sustain food systems. Bees play a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security for our communities across Solomon Islands,” the Ministry said
World Bee Day is an opportunity to celebrate the important role of pollinators in Solomon Islands, elevate the voices of Solomon Islands beekeepers, and encourage stronger partnerships among communities, government, research organisations and development partners. By working together, Solomon Islands can build a more resilient and sustainable beekeeping sector that benefits both people and the planet.
Why a World Bee Day? https://www.fao.org/world-bee-day/en/
By observing World Bee Day each year, we can raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today. We have been celebrating this day since 2018, thanks to the efforts of the Government of Slovenia with the support of Apimondia, that led the UN General Assembly to declare 20 May as World Bee Day.
The date for this observance was chosen as it was the day Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern apiculture, was born. Janša came from a family of beekeepers in Slovenia, where beekeeping is an important agricultural activity with a long-standing tradition.
Today bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.
