The Problem
The research is mixed, but some argue that honey bees can impact wild bees and plant communities to the detriment of biodiversity. Advocates worry about "beewashing" where honeybees get all the love, and other pollinators are pushed out. Pitting beekeeping against biodiversity creates strife, but there is a better choice: By carefully observing local forage-habitat-species interdependence and intentionally cultivating the right plants for a specific setting, people can invite bio-diverse pollinator populations to naturalize where previously there were no pollinators at all, on rooftops, for example. Promoting forage and habitat plantings friendly to many kinds of bees exemplifies how humans can respond intelligently and mindfully to complex ecological concerns. Teaching how to explore pie-expanding solutions like this is an opportunity not to be missed!
