World Environment Day 2023

World Environment Day, celebrated on 5 June each year, is an important global initiative that invites us to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation. This special day gives us the opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues and to promote concrete actions to protect our planet. It is crucial to understand that protecting the environment is not only a responsibility towards the present, but also towards future generations. Only through a sustainable approach involving conscious actions can we ensure a better future for all. In this article we explore the importance of World Environment Day and discover the projects of 3Bee, Nature Tech that has always been committed to protecting biodiversity and the environment through technology.

The history and origin of World Environment Day have deep roots dating back to 5 June 1972. In that year, the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden, which was the first major global summit on environmental issues. During this conference, the need for international commitment to address the growing environmental concerns that threatened our planet was recognised. As a result of this awareness, on 15 December 1972, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated 5 June as World Environment Day. The main objective of this day is to promote global action to protect the environment by raising awareness and encouraging individuals, communities, businesses and governments to take an active part in preserving and restoring the natural balance of our planet.

The theme chosen for World Environment Day 2023, #BeatPlasticPollution, draws attention to the urgency of countering plastic pollution. The UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasised the importance of everyone's actions to tackle this issue. The irresponsible use and disposal of plastics has caused serious environmental, social, economic and health consequences. Worldwide, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute and up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year. Half of all plastic produced is destined for single-use, contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste in our natural environment.

Studies have highlighted the interesting and incredible ability of wild bees to recycle plastic. A study conducted in Canada in 2014 revealed that a particular species of wild bees - the Megachile rotundata - uses pieces of plastic to build its nests. Similar observations were made in Argentina, where bees recovered pieces of plastic structurally similar to leaves to build their nests. These behaviours, although a marginal phenomenon, are testimony to the adaptability of these important pollinators to rapid man-made environmental changes. On World Environment Day, therefore, let us remember how important it is to protect biodiversity and the pollinator insects, true bio-indicators and sentinels of the state of health of the environment. Together with 3Bee you too can contribute to this cause in 2 ways: adopt a biomonitoring hive or a nectariferous tree.

3Bee recognises the pollinators important role of sentinels of the environment. With this in mind and with the aim of ensuring a sustainable future for all, 3Bee is founded on three fundamental pillars. The first is monitoring: 3Bee uses innovative remote sensing technologies to monitor the health of bees and pollinators. This makes it possible to identify any critical issues and take timely measures to protect the environment. The second is regeneration: 3Bee is at the forefront of creating Oases of Biodiversity. In just 12 months, it has created over 100 oases in 18 Italian regions. The third pillar is education: 3Bee aims to raise awareness of citizens, schools and businesses about the important issues of biodiversity and environmental protection. Because 'the environment is where we all meet; where we all have a common interest; it is the one thing we all share' and it is therefore essential to take care of it.

3Bee has created and monitors Europe's largest ecological corridor: urban and agroforestry biodiversity oases. These places are refuges for pollinators and plant biodiversity: certified, technologically advanced and traceable. 3Bee's Biodiversity Oases are a valuable tool for the protection of the environment and the preservation of pollinating insects. In addition, they play a crucial role in promoting conservation, ecological balance and resilience of ecosystems. The Oases of Biodiversity are not only important from an environmental point of view, but also as social gathering spaces. Thanks to awareness-raising courses, these areas foster awareness and interaction with nature, strengthening the connection between people and their environment. On the occasion of World Environment Day, we take concrete action to create a sustainable future, in which biodiversity and environmental health are at the centre.