For
the fourth consecutive year, honeybee colonies in the Unites States
have seen massive die-offs over the winter months, leading some experts
to fear for their extinction.
Since 2006, more than three
million colonies in the US and billions worldwide have perished. This
global population collapse is acknowledged as a major threat to food
supplies, with an estimated one-third of all sustenance consumed by
humans relying on honeybee pollination.
A recently published
global review of honeybee deaths by the World Organization for Animal
Health (OIE) affirms a primary role of pesticides, noting that their
overall damaging effect on bee health could make the insects more
susceptible to many diseases.
Scientists have found 121
different pesticides in bees, wax and pollen samples. OIE
Director-general Dr. Bernard Vallat stated, “Bees contribute to global
food security, and their extinction would represent a terrible
biological disaster.”
We are shocked and saddened to know of the
dire state of the imperiled honeybees. Let us quickly step toward
planet-saving lifestyles to protect the bees and all cherished fellow
beings.
During a July 2008 videoconference with our Association
members in California, USA, Supreme Master Ching Hai highlighted once
more the urgent priority of preserving life on Earth through our
eco-conscious actions.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
Organic farming is the best. It’s the ideal for health and the planet.
When I say planet, I mean for all the inhabitants, the bees and insects
and animals alike.
Because if we’re using chemicals, then of
course they’re going to die out, sooner or later, big and small. That’s
why the bees are disappearing.
We have been destroying this ecosystem. It’s a very sad affair. The government has to employ another kind of farming technique.
Otherwise,
not just bee colonies collapse, many other useful insects and helpful
animals, they will be dying out. They’re dying out every day now, a lot
of them.
We got to pray for Heaven’s help. And if you can, tell
the farmers, tell the government to change it. We use only beneficial
products for agriculture. Otherwise we will have nothing left.
Do anything you can to support this organic vegetarian farming.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/02/food-fear-mystery-beehives-collapsehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1270698/Bees-face-extinction-billions-colonies-die-worldwide.htmlhttp://www.theecologist.co.uk/News/news_round_up/477710/heavy_bee_colony_losses_in_us_could_lead_to_price_rise.html