Düzce University (DU) Beekeeping Research, Development and Application Center (DAGEM) organized an awareness event as part of “World Bee Day” on May 20
Children dressed in bee costumes and carrying banners that read “Let the flowers not fade, let the bees not die” and “Without bees, there will be no people” were admired for the performances they gave.
Students and citizens visiting the booths in the area received information from DAGEM academicians about bees and bee products. The artworks of young students who won awards in the painting competition were also exhibited as part of the event.
Düzce Nature Conservation and National Parks Branch Manager Mr. Mevlüt Şanlı Şimşek and Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Ms. Esra Uzun spoke at the program, emphasizing the importance of bees for the climate and nature, and celebrated World Bee Day.
DU Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir highlighted the importance of understanding the value of bees for nature and sustainable life. He said, “We are here with our children to draw attention to the importance of bees and to raise awareness. Our aim is to create social consciousness and help people embrace the importance of these vital insects. We lile bees very much. Bees not only produce honey, but they also maintain the balance of the world’s climate and nature.”
“Bees are essential in Agriculture”
Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir drew attention to the vital importance of bees for both the ecosystem and agriculture, emphasizing their indispensable role in agricultural production. He highlighted the critical contributions of bees to sustainability in agriculture, food security, and the preservation of biodiversity. “On the occasion of May 20, World Bee Day, we are once again gaining a deeper understanding of this important reality,” he said.
Turkiye is ranked 2nd in the world in terms of total number of hives and bees and honey yield”
DAGEM Director Prof. Dr. Meral Kekeçoğlu stated that bees are the most important living beings on Earth and said, “Bees play a crucial role in pollination. While they are often only known for producing honey, their true significance lies in their role as pollinators. Today, 77 percent of the fruits people consume are pollinated and fertilized by bees. This is incredibly important — without bees, there would be no plants, no animals, and eventually, no humans.”
Emphasizing that Türkiye holds a significant position globally in beekeeping, Kekeçoğlu said, “Türkiye ranks second in the world in terms of total number of bee colonies and honey production. This is a remarkable achievement. Given Türkiye’s key role in beekeeping, the awareness activities and celebrations for World Bee Day held across the country are of even greater importance.”
“The Most Important living Beings in the World: Bees”
DAGEM Director Prof. Dr. Meral Kekeçoğlu, who delivered the opening speech of the program, emphasized that bees are not only essential for honey production but also play a critical role in sustainable agriculture through their often-overlooked contributions. Stating that bees are among the most important living beings in the world for the ecosystem, Prof. Dr. Kekeçoğlu expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the organization of the World Bee Day event.
“If There Are Bees, There Is Life!”
Düzce Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Esra Uzun expressed her pleasure in attending the event and drew attention to the fact that approximately two-thirds of the food we consume can be produced thanks to the pollination activities of bees. Uzun emphasized that 466 tons of chestnut honey produced annually in the province, thus being an important agricultural value for Düzce.
“The 5th Traditional World Bee Day Painting Competition Award Ceremony was held at May 20 world Bee Day”
The Traditional World Bee Day Painting Competition, organized every year for primary, secondary and high schools, was organized exclusively for preschools for this year. The “5th Traditional World Bee Day Painting Competition Award Ceremony” was held within the scope of World Bee Day events. The “5th Traditional World Bee Day Painting Contest Award Ceremony”, organized exclusively for preschools by Düzce University Beekeeping Research, Development and Application Center (DAGEM), with the sponsorship of Turkish Beekeepers Association (TAB) BEEO Propolis, Apimaye, NeoBee, companies and with international participation, was held at the University campus Square. The program was attended by Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Öztürk, Düzce Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Esra Uzun, DAGEM Director and event coordinator Prof. Dr. Meral Kekeçoğlu, Düzce Nature Conservation National Parks Provincial Director Mevlüt Şanlı Şimşek, Düzce Provincial Beekeepers Association President Mr. Cafer Kaba, protocol members, academicians, preschools’ students and teachers attended.
Small Painters Explained the Value of Bees with Pictures
Following the opening speeches, students who won awards in the painting competition themed “If There Are Bees, There Is Life” organized for preschool students received their awards from Düzce university Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir and protocol members.
Ertuğrul Bozkurt from Özel Doğuş Ata College Kindergarten with his work titled “Bees in the Rainbow”; Kerem Kökağaç with his painting themed “If There Are Bees, There Is Life”; Mehmet Selim Biçer with his drawing titled “Queen Bee and Soldier Bees”; and Çiğdem Sevinç with her work titled “Bees Swarming to Make Honey”, created meaningful works by combining their imagination with their love of nature. Zümra Çakırhan from Körpeşler preschool received her awards with her elegant work titled “Lavender Scented Bee”, Sare Ada Özdal from Hayalimiz preschool received her awards with her work titled “Bees and Flying Pollens”, and Kaptan Altay Altuğ Kızılay preschool student Hümay Şengül received her awards with her work titled “Bee Brothers”.
Following the award ceremony, Düzce university’s Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir and protocol members visited the promotion and application stands set up in the campus area and received information about bee products, propolis, hive systems and beekeeping equipment at the stands prepared by DAGEM and sponsor companies.
The program continued with children’s games and folk dance shows and took on a festive atmosphere, drawing attention to the life force that bees add to nature.
