Web of Life on Earth

Introduction

• Everything is interconnected in nature.
• Example: Bees and their role in ecosystems.

Role of Bees

• Bees pollinate plants while searching for food.
• Contribution to the food supply goes beyond honey.
• Essential for the survival of businesses from farm to table.
• Provide jobs and income for millions globally.

Threats to Bee Populations

• Declining bee and insect numbers could lead to ecosystem collapse.
• Major threats include:
  • Diseases
  • Invasive species
  • Pesticides
  • Habitat loss

Importance of Initiatives

• Individual contributions matter, but large-scale initiatives are necessary.
• Governments have created international environmental agreements to protect bees and ecosystems.

Convention on Biological Diversity

• Involves 193 countries working to protect habitats and biotechnologies.
• Legal frameworks restrict harmful biotechnologies and chemicals.

Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

• MEAs support broader environmental policy areas, including:
  • Chemicals and waste
  • Climate and atmosphere
  • Seas and freshwater
  • Land and agriculture
  • Environmental governance

Informia Database

• Official UN database for multilateral environmental agreements.
• Provides detailed information on agreements and their participating countries and regions.
• Helps guide practitioners and decision-makers in creating sustainable environmental policies.

Conclusion

• Environmental agreements are crucial for the protection of bees, ecosystems, and ultimately all life that depends on them.