Saving the Honeybees: New Federal Funding To Address Honeybee Health Challenges

Honeybees are essential pollinators for many crops and plants, but they face multiple threats from pests, diseases, pesticides, and habitat loss.

To help protect and promote honeybee health, several federal agencies have been implementing various initiatives and programs at their facilities across the country.

USDA: Supporting research and education on honeybees

(Photo : Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a long history of supporting honeybee research and education through its Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Some of the USDA's efforts include:

•  Developing and maintaining the National Honey Bee Germplasm Repository, which preserves genetic material from honeybees and other pollinators for future breeding and research, as per Phys.org.
•  Conducting surveys and monitoring of honeybee colonies and pests, such as the Varroa mite, to provide data and information for beekeepers and policymakers.
•  Funding research projects and grants on various topics related to honeybee health, such as nutrition, genetics, disease resistance, pesticide exposure and best management practices.
•  Providing education and outreach programs for beekeepers, farmers, students and the public on the importance of honeybees and how to protect them.

GSA: Creating pollinator-friendly habitats at federal buildings

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for managing and maintaining federal buildings and properties.

As part of its sustainability goals, the GSA has been creating pollinator-friendly habitats at some of its facilities to provide food and shelter for honeybees and other pollinators. Some of the GSA's initiatives include:

•  Installing rooftop gardens and hives at federal buildings in Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and other cities. These gardens not only support honeybees but also reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and provide aesthetic benefits.
•  Planting native flowers and plants at federal courthouses, offices, and parks. These plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and provide nectar and pollen for honeybees and other pollinators throughout the year.
•  Partnering with local organizations and experts to maintain and monitor pollinator habitats, as well as to educate employees and visitors about the benefits of pollinators.

Also Read: Bees Activate 'Medicinal Properties' Against Parasite Infection During Pollination

NASA: Using satellite data to map honeybee habitats

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is known for its exploration of space, but it also uses its satellite data and technology to study Earth's environment.

One of NASA's projects involves using satellite imagery to map potential honeybee habitats in the U.S. The project aims to:

•  Identify areas that have suitable vegetation, climate, and land use for honeybees to thrive.
•  Assess how these areas have changed over time due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate change.
•  Provide spatial information and tools for beekeepers, farmers, conservationists, and policymakers to locate and manage honeybee habitats.

The project is led by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in collaboration with the University of Maryland, the Bee Informed Partnership, and other partners.

These are just some examples of how federal agencies are working to support honeybee health in the U.S. By doing so, they are not only helping the bees but also the environment, the economy, and society.

Related article: How Robotic Bees Could Help Healthy Colonies, Environment