Bees, insects famous for the delicious honey they produce but feared because of the excruciating pain caused by their stinger. Moreover, they are complex organisms that have organized and structured colonies with a queen, drone and workers each having a specific role to play. Being misunderstood species, many people don't realize their importance. Not only do these primary pollinators sustain the world, they are also vital to the human population itself. As nature's workers they also play an important role in the human economy. Bees are responsible for pollinating nearly 85% of all food crops for humans. In regards to their value to our economy, researchers conclude that bees contribute around $3,250 to crop production per hectare per year, which is $4.2 Trillion added to the global economy. For what they are worth it would be expected for them to be the most treasured species in the world, but that's far from true. Due to our actions, we are killing organisms that we entirely depend on. Without bees, our harvests will be limited and also lead to environmental collapse. To learn more tune in to our 2nd episode “The Importance of Bees,” where Vinisha and Shannen with our guest speaker, Chris Gliwa, a senior from Princeton who is the Leader of Princeton bee team & a suburban beekeeper, will delve deeper into the importance and profile of these magnificent creatures. 

To learn more about the importance of bees in the environment and what you can do to help, refer to these sources: 

https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/bee-organic/why-are-bees-in-danger/ https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Apis_mellifera/ 

https://bees.techno-science.ca/english/bees/pollination/default.php https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/why-do-we-need-bees 

https://www.wired.com/2015/09/royal-jelly-isnt-makes-queen-bee-queen-bee/ https://agdev.anr.udel.edu/maarec/honey-bee-biology/the-colony-and-its-organization/ 

https://www.dkfindout.com/us/animals-and-nature/insects/where-do-bees-live/ 

http://www.honeybeecentre.com/learn-about-honeybees#.XzSAni1q2hA 

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/big-features/world-bee-day-honeybees-vital-often-misunderstood 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/would-we-starve-without-bees/zkf292p https://ucnrs.org/role-honey-bees-ecosystem-pollination/