The eighth annual World Bee Day was observed globally on May 20, 2025, to highlight the alarming decline in bee populations. The date coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian pioneer in modern beekeeping. In Cologne, Germany, around 400,000 bees in rooftop hives were active despite growing concerns from scientists. Experts have linked the global decline of pollinators to insecticides, climate change, habitat loss, parasites, and limited access to diverse food sources. Studies show that more than 75 percent of global crops rely on pollination, with bees contributing approximately €2 billion annually to agriculture in Germany alone.

Conservation efforts are intensifying across urban and rural areas. Environmental organizations and beekeeping associations have launched various initiatives to support both domesticated honeybees and wild bee species. Matthias Roth, chairman of the Cologne Beekeepers Association, confirmed the installation of nesting boxes designed to assist solitary bees that do not form hives. Roth warned, however, that such efforts may not be sufficient to halt the species decline. Experts emphasized the necessity of enhancing urban biodiversity, especially in cities with limited green space. While rooftop hives indicate environmental progress, specialists argue that long-term preservation requires the implementation of sustainable practices, comprehensive public education, and stronger legislative support. World Bee Day has become a global call to action, underscoring the indispensable ecological and economic roles of pollinators and the urgent need for coordinated intervention.