Saturday, May 17, 2025

World Bee Day - May 20, 2025


On this occasion of World Bee Day, celebrated annually on May 20th, we, the Asian Apicultural Association (AAA), urge all member countries to unite in global efforts to protect pollinators, safeguard food security, preserve biodiversity, and enhance human health. This day serves as a global reminder of the indispensable role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining life on Earth, and it calls upon us to redouble our efforts in safeguarding their future.

Bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems and economies. They pollinate over 75% of the world’s leading food crops and 90% of wild plants, ensuring biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods for millions. In Asia, a region rich in agricultural diversity, the contributions of bees are even more pronounced—from the rice paddies of Southeast Asia to the apple orchards of the Himalayas, their labor underpins our food systems and cultural heritage.

Yet, bees today face unprecedented threats. Climate change, habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease outbreaks are pushing pollinator populations to the brink. In Asia, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices exacerbate these challenges. As stewards of this vital resource, the Asian Apicultural Association stands committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and awareness to reverse these trends.

This year’s World Bee Day theme, let's following the United Nations & FAO “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all” to take decisive action.

We call on AAA member countries to:Organize Public Events: Host workshops, school programs, and community activities to raise awareness about bees’ critical role.

Advancing Research & Education: Supporting studies on pollinator health and sharing best practices across borders.
Promoting Sustainable Beekeeping: Empowering beekeepers with tools to adapt to climate shifts and market demands.
Advocating for Policy Change: Engaging governments to prioritize pollinator-friendly agriculture and reduce harmful pesticide use.
Raising Public Awareness: Inspiring communities, especially youth, to become champions for bees through education and outreach.
Celebrate Local Beekeepers: Highlight their contributions to food systems and economic resilience.
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Let us lead by example:Plant wildflowers, create green corridors, and reduce plastic waste.
Collaborate across borders to share knowledge and resources.

Engage youth to inspire future stewards of pollinators.

Together, we can turn awareness into action. By protecting bees, we protect our food, our health, and our planet.

Join us, join UN & FAO in making World Bee Day 2025 a catalyst for change!
For resources, partnerships, or support, contact the AAA Secretariat at AAA office.

Act now—for the bees, for Asia, for the world.

Key Themes Highlighted:Urgency of pollinator protection in Asia.

Link to food security, biodiversity, and health.
Tangible actions for member countries.
Collaboration and youth engagement.

Let’s bee the change! 🌍🐝

Customization Tips:Add country-specific examples (e.g., "In [Country], bees pollinate [local crop]...").
Include AAA logos or links to campaign materials.

Adjust deadlines or event formats to suit regional contexts.

To our beekeepers, researchers, and enthusiasts: thank you for your tireless dedication. Your work is not just a vocation—it is a legacy for future generations.

Let us use this World Bee Day to reaffirm our commitment. Together, we can ensure that bees thrive, ecosystems flourish, and communities prosper. The time to act is now.

We’d love to hear from you 🌍🐝Let us know how you plan to celebrate World Bee Day in your country. 🌍🐝

Please don't forget to check the attachment: Speech from President Prof. Siriwat on WBD.
Happy World Bee Day! 🌍🐝

Warm regards,

Lihong
Secretary-General
Asian Apicultural Associaton (AAA)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Low-dose Bee Venom as a Potential Therapeutic Agent Against Human Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Cells


Bee venom is secreted by a gland in the abdominal cavity of bees. The venom, especially that of honeybees, contains certain enzymes and peptides that, when administered in high doses, are effective against various diseases. Peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2 can target various cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effects of administering low-dose bee venom in K-562 chronic myeloid leukaemia cells. Our proteomic study revealed regional variation of the content of bee venom and high levels of melittin, apamin and secapin, as well as phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase. In addition, eight new, previously unidentified proteins were identified. The effects of bee venom on cell viability and drug–cell interaction were investigated at 24, 48 and 72 h. According to the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) results, the bee venom decreased K-562 cell viability dose-dependently at all time points. Cell viability decreased 48 and 72 h after bee venom administration but increased in the control group left untreated for 72 h. The inhibition percentages for the highest bee venom concentration (0.4 µM) at 24, 48 and 72 h were 55%, 80% and 92%, respectively. The cell–drug interactions indicated that the cell surfaces, which were smooth and clear before drug application, gradually deteriorated and started to shrink after the application. In conclusion, at increasing doses, bee venom was found to have a strong antiproliferative effect in K-562 chronic myeloid leukaemia cell lines.