Every year on May 20th, the world celebrates World Bee Day, honoring the vital role bees play in pollination, food production, and biodiversity.

This year’s theme, “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All,” encourages us to recognize the essential role bees play in sustaining life and nourishing ecosystems.

In Antigua and Barbuda, beekeeping began in 1945 and has since grown into a valuable part of the agricultural sector.

Today, beekeepers, many of them trained through programs by the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative (ABBC) and organizations like FAO and IICA produce local honey and beeswax products while supporting biodiversity.

Barbuda, once thought to be unsuitable for bees, is now home to thriving apiaries. The island is especially known for its famous logwood honey, prized for its distinct flavor and quality.

This honey is derived from the nectar of the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum), a flowering species native to the Caribbean and Central America.

The blossoms of the logwood tree attract bees during their blooming season, contributing to the unique properties of the honey produced in Barbuda.

Despite challenges such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused widespread destruction, local efforts to revive and grow the apiculture industry have been strong.

Training programs and youth initiatives continue to expand, empowering the next generation to build sustainable, eco-friendly businesses.

Bees pollinate over 75% of the world’s food crops, yet they face threats from pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change.

You can help by planting bee-friendly flowers, avoiding chemical pesticides, and supporting local honey producers.

As we mark World Bee Day 2025, let’s celebrate Antigua and Barbuda’s beekeeping success and commit to protecting pollinators everywhere.

These small insects have a huge impact. Let’s keep them buzzing for generations to come!