b'54 Airport Apiaries Foster Crop Pollination, APA|MCO|PIT ENVIRONMENTALSupport Land StewardshipBY KRISTIN V. SHAWPHOTO: CENTENNIAL AIRPORT PHOTO BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY SMITHWhen the topic of airport sustainability comes up,Positive Change Agentsconversation usually centers on solar panels, electricBee decline is a worldwide concern, addressed regularly by ground support equipment, LED lighting and otherorganizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, energy-oriented innovations. But on-site bee programs are alsoa specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on beginning to generate a lot of buzz throughout the industry.international efforts to defeat hunger.Creating pollinator habitat on or near airport land benefits nativeJos Graziano da Silva, the organizations director, summarizes and managed bee species that help to pollinate food crops. Inthe problem like this: Bees are under great threat from the fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 80% ofcombined effects of climate change, intensive agriculture, flowering crops require pollinators. That means they help createpesticides use, biodiversity loss and pollution. The absence about one-third of all consumed food. of bees and other pollinators would wipe out coffee, apples, Hosting managed bees on or near airport land can help bringalmonds, tomatoes and cocoa, to name just a few of the crops awareness to the importance of pollinators and highlight anthat rely on pollination. Countries need to shift to more pollinator-airports commitment to supporting local agriculture. On a veryfriendly and sustainable food policies and systems.literal basis, airport beekeeping is a grass roots initiative thatSelect airports around the world are pitching in to help. promotes healthy communities from the inside out. October 2022AirportImprovement.com'