Say no to Robobees and Yes to Save our Bees!
Earlier this month, seven species of bees were placed on the Endangered Species List in the United States (http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/7-bee-species-have-been-added-us-endangered-species-list). Loss of habitat is a huge factor in the decline of these bees as are other problems like Colony Collapse Disorder. The move occurs as the federal Pollinator Health Task Force attempts to work with individual states to implement a National Pollinator Health Strategy (https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/federal-pollinator-health-task-force-epas-role). Information from the Virginia Beekeeper's Association shows that most of the measures intended to affect over 90% of beekeepers are voluntary (http://www.virginiabeekeepers.org/images/pdf/DRAFT201606.pdf).
ARFEP is recommending a total moratorium on neonicitinoid insecticides and further examination by an impartial non-profit scientific group of the effects of pesticides like glyphosate on pollinators like bees, birds, and other pollinators. These wonderful pollinators provide us with at least 1/3 of all the food that we eat. Without them, we would probably be extinct. So, it is in our best interest to take a radical precautionary stance to protect them from harm. One thing beekeepers can do that does not require government intervention is to feed their bees only honey, as opposed to high-fructose corn syrup, which has essential vitamins and minerals bees need for a healthy immune system (http://phys.org/news/2013-04-high-fructose-corn-syrup-tied-worldwide.html).
The most troubling development, however, is the development of robotic bees. Researchers at Harvard have been reporting work to design and make artificial bees a reality. They call this a temporary solution. But, it is frightening to think that instead of taking aggressive action to save our bees and other pollinators, scientists feel comfortable replacing pollinators with robots that cannot possibly function as well as the real thing. Nature has designed bees, birds, and butterflies (among others) to support the wider ecosystem and life on Earth. Do we really want to leave that duty to robots? Isn't that abdicating the responsibility to protect our beautiful ecological heritage? You can read the full article about Robot Bees here - http://www.blacklistednews.com/Robotic_Bees_Are_Now_Being_Built_To_Pollinate_Crops_Instead_of_Real_Bees/54520/0/38/38/Y/M.html. Please contact Harvard scientists and engineers as well as others engaged in making these Robt Bees and tell them to protect our pollinators instead!
Now is a critical time for action. We need to do what the European Union had the courage to do in 2013 - ban neonicitinoids and other pesticides that have been proven to be harmful to the health of bees (https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/bee-harming-pesticides-banned-in-europe).
Take action now. Contact ARFEP to learn how to contact your representatives and government officials to help save our bees. Soon, we will publish a list of beekeepers that you can contact about how to feed bees honey and not corn syrup. We also want to get you information about becoming a beekeeper or gardener to help nourish and protect our pollinators. Let's not squander our natural treasures.
For more information, contact arfep4us@gmail.com.
