Economic and environmental significance of the honey bee

Abstract

The honeybee Apis mellifera is the most important domesticated pollinating insect, playing a key role in the entire ecological system. Pollination of plants allows for the preservation of biodiversity, but above all it enables production in many sectors of agriculture. As the only insect, provides humans with high-quality food, i.e. honey, royal jelly and pollen, wax, propolis and bee venom, which in addition to nutritional value has a beneficial effect on the condition of the body. Treatment and prevention of diseases using bee products (known as apitherapy) is becoming increasingly popular, which means that beekeeping can be an important source of income in rural areas. A. mellifera bees, like other pollinators, are increasingly threatened by human activity, and protecting these useful insects is ensuring a sustainable future for ecosystems and the renewal of natural resources. This article reviews the current literature on the importance of bees for the environment and humans, focusing mainly on ensuring the biodiversity of ecosystems, food production and protecting human health.