(18 May 2018) LEADIN:
This Sunday (20 May) is set to be the first-ever World Bee Day, after a proposal from Slovenia to the United Nations was unanimously approved in December (2017).
The aim is to draw attention to declining bee populations and to raise awareness of the vital role the insects play in sustaining our planet's ecosystems.
STORYLINE:
Nature-loving Slovenia is also a bee-loving country.
The small Alpine nation has a long tradition of beekeeping and has been a key advocate of global bee protection and raising awareness of the importance of bees for the environment and nature.
Last year at the United Nations, Slovenia pushed through an initiative to establish a World Bee day on 20 May.
It's now set to host the first international gathering and events marking the day.
Experts say bees are crucial for the preservation of the environment.
They are major pollinators, ensuring food and food security, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
Beekeeper Daniejela Ambrozic, from Bled, claims that about 70 to 80 percent of food that humans consume exists thanks to the buzzing insects.
"Every third spoon we give in our mouth, it depends on the bee," she says.
"That's why all this World Bee Day and everything. So, we try to educate people."
Beekeeping is part of everyday life in Slovenia.
The Slovenian Beekeepers Association has initiated a number of projects including promoting honey for breakfast, beekeeping school clubs and more.
"Bees need the same clean environment as humans," says Dr. Peter Kozmus from the Slovenian Beekeeper's Association.
"So, if we are doing in the way that we conserve bees, we must be aware, or we must take care for clean air, clean water, clean environment, these are also conditions which are good for humans.
"So, we believe that when we help bees, we believe also help humans, and this is the main purpose of World Bee Day."
The mountainous land is dotted with bee hives and many homes produce their own local honey.
Multi-coloured wooden boxes with hives can be seen among endless green hills and meadows.
There are about 10,000 beekeepers in Slovenia, bee tours for tourists, a museum and a local bee subspecies is protected by law.
It's called the Carniolan honey bee, which Slovenians say is known for its docility, hard work, humility and excellent sense of orientation.
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