Bees: insects considered by the most dangerous, at least annoying, at least useless.

But, just like in fashion and industry, even in nature, small things can make a big difference. Even these little flying, buzzing beings.

Every day, from spring to autumn, each bee flies three kilometers in search of pollen with which to feed itself and the other members of its community.

In moving from one flower to another, it gives rise to the phenomenon of pollination, that is, in other words, it allows the reproduction of plants and vegetables.

Here’s the problem: in the last few decades, the apiary population has been shrinking by 40% every year, mainly due to climate change and the indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture.

Without bees, plants stop reproducing: 70% of fruit and vegetables and 35% of all food we eat exist only thanks to the pollinating work of bees.

The economic value of the activity of these insects has been estimated at 570 billion dollars every year.

If the bees disappeared, therefore, we would not have to do without honey but we would risk an unparalleled famine.

It is no coincidence that the United Nations dedicated one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 15, to safeguarding biodiversity, protecting the survival and well-being of the many animal and plant species at serious risk of extinction.

Bees are not dangerous: unlike wasps and hornets, they are not attracted to food and the smells of human activity.

When they sting they die, so they do it only as an extreme defense: it is enough to stay a few meters away from the hives to avoid danger.

Few people know that hives coexist with men even in the city center: for example, they are near the City Life district in Milan as well as on the terraces of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

By adopting one of the winning ideas of last year’s “June 5th” competition, YKK Italy has also decided to do its part.

Thanks to apicolturaurbana.it, an operator specialized in the installation and maintenance of professional apiaries chosen for its high level of expertise in the field, from May 2022 part of the green space around the Prarolo plant will be dedicated to hosting two colonies of Italian Ligustica bees. .

It is hoped in this way not only to contribute to the protection of biodiversity but also to foster greater awareness of the importance of always acting respectfully towards all living beings.

And, why not, maybe you can even taste some YKK honey.

For more information: www.apicolturaurbana.it/