Philatelic issue on the occasion of World Bee Day
Bees are the guardians of the ecosystem and deserve special care. May 20th is World Bee Day, established in 2018 by the UN at the initiative of Slovenia. Polish Post introduced a special postage stamp depicting this incredibly beneficial insect today.
The stamp depicts a bee collecting pollen, reminding us of the invaluable contribution bees make to the ecosystem. The issue is accompanied by a First Day Cover (FDC) envelope, featuring a honeycomb backdrop and a beekeeper working the hives. A date stamp with a graphic depiction of a bee on a honeycomb and information about the day and date of issue is also included. The stamp is available in a sales sheet containing five stamps and one tag.
The aim of the issue is not only to commemorate World Bee Day, but also to draw attention to the need to protect these insects, which are extremely important for our ecosystem.
Bees play a vital role in plant pollination, and over 87% of the world's plant species benefit from their work. Unfortunately, the declining bee population is a serious problem for biodiversity, caused, among other things, by the improper use of pesticides.
It's also worth mentioning that bees are not only excellent pollinators but also producers of honey, wax, and propolis, which have wide applications in medicine and cosmetics. Additionally, bee venom is used in anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving therapies.
Let's remember that each of us can help protect bees by taking simple actions. Leaving patches of lawn unmowed in the garden, where flower meadows can flourish, provides a food source for bees and other pollinators. Planting a variety of nectar-producing plants that bloom at different times of the year ensures bees have constant access to food throughout the season. It's also important to avoid burning last year's grasses, stems, and flowers, as they provide shelter for many species of insects, including bees. Creating watering holes and placing special waterers, especially on sunny days, containing small stones or gravel, allows bees to safely hydrate without the risk of drowning. These seemingly small actions can have a huge impact on maintaining the bee population and maintaining harmony in nature.
About the stamp:
author of the design: Andrzej Gosik
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 4.90
circulation: 125,000 pcs
printing technique: offset + stochastic raster
stamp format: 40.5 x 40.5 mm
paper: fluorescent
sales sheets: 5 stamps + one tag
date of circulation: May 20, 2024