On July 1, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in the Caribbean, impacting millions of people and causing widespread devastation to crops and the bees that pollinate them. The hardest-hit islands included Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada, the Grenadines, and Barbados.
The loss of bee hives and entire colonies has dealt a severe blow to economies that rely heavily on crop exports. The surviving bees are now facing a scarcity of forage, pushing them perilously close to starvation.
Severe Economic Impact
In Jamaica alone, Hurricane Beryl destroyed an estimated $6.4 million worth of crops. Vegetables, tubers (such as yam and cassava), and fruits (such as breadfruit, ackee, mangoes, and bananas) were most affected. The loss of these crops has not only disrupted local food supplies but also significantly impacted export revenues.
Beekeeping Crisis
The beekeeping community in Jamaica and other Small Island Developing States needs immediate assistance. Bee colonies' devastation means a critical loss of pollinators essential for crop production. This is a dire situation, as bees play a vital role in the ecosystem and agricultural productivity.
Our ongoing commitment to bees
One out of every three bites of food depends on honeybees and other pollinators. That is why Greater Good Charities is committed to protecting bees after natural disasters and war impact them.
When Hurricane Ian struck Florida in 2022, it left significant damage in its wake. We partnered with Cargill, Mann Lake, and the Florida State Beekeepers Association to rush more than 500,000 pounds of syrup and over 117,000 pounds of pollen substitute to help feed the starving bees.
We also work on a global scale. Beekeeping is a significant industry in Ukraine, but it has been severely affected by the ongoing war. We are providing aid to Ukraine’s beekeepers and recently sent a field team to meet with some of the 120 Ukrainian beekeepers who received aid. Learn more about how this aid not only protects bees but also plays an important economic role in the region.
Call to Action: How You Can Help Caribbean Bees Today
Greater Good Charities received an urgent plea for aid, and together with Mann Lake, we are sending emergency bee pollen substitutes to help Caribbean beekeepers feed surviving bees and prevent further devastation to their ecosystems. But we need your help.
Donate today to help save the essential pollinators of the Caribbean.
Updates
August 2, 2024: The distribution of emergency bee pollen substitutes has begun with our partner, Mann Lake. Together, we are mobilizing the first batch of pallets to Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada, the Grenadines, and Barbados.
Stay tuned for more updates on our relief efforts and the impact of your donations. Your support is crucial in helping these communities recover and thrive.
