Patience Makwele
Young Namibians have been urged to play a stronger role in protecting bees and other pollinators as concerns grow over declining bee populations and the impact this could have on food security, agriculture and the environment.
The call comes as Namibia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Bee Day on 20 May, which raises awareness about the importance of bees in supporting ecosystems and food production.
Speaking on the issue, environmental advocate Gretchen Burmeister said many people still underestimate the role bees play in daily life and food systems.
“If bees disappear, a large portion of our food production is affected,” Burmeister said. “Pollination is not only important for fruits and vegetables but also for seed production and overall food security.”
Her remarks come amid growing debate around the possible importation of foreign bees into Namibia, a move some local beekeepers fear could threaten indigenous bee populations through disease and ecosystem disruption.
“There is nothing like safe bee importation,” Burmeister said. “We cannot take shortcuts. We must address the root problems affecting pollinators instead of creating new risks.”
She said Namibia still lacks enough research and data on local pollinator populations, making it difficult to fully understand the threats facing bees.
“We need proper country reports and stronger research to understand where we stand,” she said.
Burmeister explained that pollinators remain important for both food production and environmental balance.
“In plants, bees play the role that bulls and cows play in cattle production,” she said. “Without pollination, crop production and food quality are heavily affected.”
Environmental groups are increasingly encouraging young people to become more involved in conservation as climate change and habitat destruction continue affecting biodiversity.
University of Namibia (Unam) student Selma Tulipomwene Nangula said many young people are beginning to realise that environmental issues directly affect their future.
“We often think environmental issues are for scientists or government officials, but they affect all of us. If pollinators disappear, food prices increase and communities suffer. Young people need to care because this is our future too and the government needs to raise more awareness on this issue because many Namibians lack an educational background on issues such as bee pollinators and climate change,” she said.
Youth environmental activist Takatsu Martha Hauwanga said awareness about pollinators remains low among many young people.
“A lot of young people do not realise that bees are connected to food security and agriculture.We need more awareness campaigns in schools and communities so that conservation becomes part of our everyday thinking,” Hauwanga said.
To help raise awareness, the Beekeeping Association of Namibia and the Women in Beekeeping Association recently launched a school art competition aimed at teaching children about pollinators and biodiversity.
The competition is open to learners up to the age of 18 and encourages young people to engage with environmental issues creatively.
“For children, we try to simplify the information. Many people only think about honeybees, but there are many different pollinators, like carpenter bees and mason bees. Young people need to understand how important they all are,”Burmeister said.
Burmeister said conversations about conservation should become more common in homes, schools and communities.
“We need to make this a table conversation,” she said. “People need to read, understand and advocate because there is urgency around protecting pollinators.”
As awareness continues to grow, environmental groups hope more young Namibians will take part in protecting ecosystems linked to food production and future sustainability.
“We can learn a lot from bees. They remind us that every role in nature matters,” Burmeister said.
Environmental policy analyst Diene Beukes said young people must be included more actively in environmental discussions and decision-making.
“Youth participation is critical in environmental policy discussions because young people will inherit the long-term effects of climate change and biodiversity loss,” Beukes said. “Conservation should no longer be viewed as a side issue. It is directly linked to food systems, health and economic sustainability.”
