The rise of bee activism – how these humble insects have inspired a mass movement

Film makers are highlighting the impacts of modern agricultural practices, artists have painted large-scale murals to ignite conversation around colony collapse, and a tide of books championing natural and organic methods of farming and pest management is stirring a growing interest in backyard beekeeping and chemical-free gardening.

On a local level, beekeeping clubs, businesses and individuals are working with council, schools, and conservation groups in an effort to drive the same message – if we take care of bees, they will take care of us. 'It’s really about getting people to understand the deeper connection between insects and our survival, particularly pollinators like bees,' says Cormac Farrell, Head Beekeeper at Parliament House. 'Raising awareness of how critical these pollinators are for our food supply instantly makes people care, because they realise there's a clear and definite tie-in with our very survival.'

When she began working with students on bee education in 2015, Julie noticed there was very little in the school curriculum teaching children about the relationship between pollination and food. 'I knew this was a very important piece that was missing, especially at a time when issues around bees were starting to become widely discussed in Australia,' says Julie. As a result, ACT For Bees created "Love Food? Love Bees!" as part of the Year 5-6 national curriculum, an integrated unit that encourages an understanding of the role of bees in the ecosystem.

In 2019, ACT for Bees submitted a proposal to the ACT Governments Nature in Our City Grants, which aims to fund community projects delivering positive environmental outcomes. The government adopted ACT for Bees' additions in their review of the ACT Government MIS25 Urban Landscape Planting List, highlighting the importance of planting for year-round flowering for pollinators.

Julie says being a bee activist – or a 'bee guardian' – is common sense, and believes through collaboration and collective action there is potential to create a movement that says, 'We can do this!'. 'It's an antidote to all the bad news, which can make us feel overwhelmed and disempowered,' says Julie. 'People need to know that what they do can make a difference – by using their voice, amplifying the good news, and sharing the amazing things people are doing in the community.'