The vital role that bees play in the earth’s ecosystem is under the spotlight this week, as we prepare to celebrate World Bee Day on Monday, 20 May.
There are over 19,000 different species of bees globally, who are responsible for pollinating 30 percent of the world’s food crops and 90 percent of our wild plants. Bees are absolutely essential to sustain life on this earth as we know it.
For the last 15 years, bee populations have been declining at an alarming rate largely due to climate change, habitat loss and pesticide use. Fewer bees mean fewer crops which not only impact food security, but also the economy and maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.
“Sadly, more than one third of all bee species are facing declines in population and almost ten percent are facing complete extinction,” said Flow Hive co-founder Cedar Anderson.
“So one thing we’ve dedicated ourselves to is creating thriving habitats for these essential little pollinators.”
Born out of a concern of the decline of the honey bee, second and third generation father and son beekeepers, Stuart and Cedar Anderson, invented a beehive that allows for easier honey extraction. Their ‘Flow Hive’ harvests honey in a simpler way, straight from the hive and into a jar, making it gentler on the bees and much easier for the beekeeper.
“The Flow Hive speaks to the yearning in so many of us to be more in touch with the food we eat and more connected with the natural world. Our hive makes beekeeping easier and more accessible for thousands of people to enjoy this wonderful hobby which also benefits the planet,” Anderson said.
Flow Hive launched in 2015 through a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign which received support from tens of thousands of people around the world. In the four years since the launch, Flow Hive has reached over 65,000 beekeepers across 130 countries.
“Our hives are a great fit for anyone interested in beekeeping. From agricultural farmers to backyard beekeepers, we’re all playing an important role in supporting bees and we’re lucky to get the delicious reward of honey for it,” Anderson said.
The Flow Hive is being used on the rooftops of The Intercontinental Hotel and the Barclay Hotel in New York, The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Government House in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and at Parliament House in Canberra.
For more information about Flow Hive visit www.honeyflow.com.au.