Save bees and farmers by helping FoE collect 4500 signatures

Email item Email item Print item Print item

Save bees and farmers by helping FoE collect 4500 signaturesFriends of the Earth Malta is aiming to collect 4500 signatures for bee-friendly agriculture and a healthy environment.

FoE Malta, together with 90 organisations from across the EU, have recently launched a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) with the aim to collecting at least one million signatures.

To help FoE Malta in its collection of signatures, please click here to sign the form.

Bees all over the world, including in Malta and Gozo – where more than 100 bee species can be found in the wild – are in trouble. Right now, they need us almost as much as we need them, the NGO said.

It explained that the decline in bees’ diversity and abundance would have a serious impact on how our natural world functions. “This includes our food crops. Bees pollinate much of the food that makes our diets healthy and tasty – from the apple in our lunchbox, to the tomatoes on our pizza.”

FoE Malta said that, “we are facing an emergency with nature disappearing at an unprecedented rate. We are launching this campaign to show that the public supports decision-makers to take much bolder steps to transform our agriculture, save nature and support sustainable farmers that protect our countryside.”

This campaign stands shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and farm workers, the NGO said. “We are demanding a just transition for farmers to support them through the switch to the pesticide-free, sustainable farming we need for our future.”

FoE Malta stressed that “it comes at a time when millions of farmers are being squeezed out by unfair prices, the lack of political support and big corporations,” and pointed out that four million small farms disappeared between 2005 and 2016 in the EU.

It argued that “citizens want a system that no longer damages biodiversity and ecosystems or puts consumer health at risk, but instead ensures the livelihood of bees and farmers alike and is healthier for people. With our initiative, we are committed to making this kind of agriculture a reality throughout Europe.”

Save bees and farmers by helping FoE collect 4500 signaturesFriends of the Earth Malta are also offering the public an opportunity to `Sponsor a Bee Hive.’

The Maltese honey bee is a sub-species of the honey bee, Apis Mellifera Ruttneri, and is endemic to the Maltese Islands. This bee was always found in the wild but has become rarer to spot due to its decline.

Friends of the Earth Malta said that it is currently establishing an apiary to serve as a home for this bee. “Help us help the bees by sponsoring the upkeep of one of our hives through a contribution of €50 per person per year.”

In return, you will receive a thank you, with the following: BeeCause kit (tote bag and material) and A bee-hotel or honey (subject to availability).

Please click here to sponsor a bee hive.

Photographs: Friends of the Earth Malta

  • Permalink: Save bees and farmers by helping FoE collect 4500 signatures
  • You may also like...

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *