Watch The Mystery of the Disappearing Bees

The Mystery of the Disappearing Bees is a documentary film that explores the alarming phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) among bee populations all over the world. The movie investigates the possible causes of this mysterious and devastating condition that has wiped out entire colonies of honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators, threatening the global food supply and biodiversity.

The film brings together experts from different fields, such as beekeepers, scientists, farmers, environmentalists, and policymakers, who share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on this complex issue. They travel to various locations, including bee farms, research labs, and agricultural landscapes, to gather data, conduct experiments, and interview people.

The movie begins by providing an overview of the importance of bees in our ecosystem and economy. Bees are responsible for pollinating more than one-third of the world's crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are essential for human and animal nutrition. Without bees, many plants would not produce any fruit or seed, and the food chain would collapse. Moreover, bees produce honey, wax, propolis, and other products that have medicinal, cosmetic, and cultural uses.

The film then introduces the problem of CCD, which is characterized by the sudden disappearance of adult bees from a hive, leaving behind the queen, brood, and honey. The filmmakers show disturbing images of empty hives, dead bees, and abandoned fields, which convey the magnitude and severity of the crisis. They also explain that CCD is not a new phenomenon, but it has become more frequent and widespread in recent years, affecting millions of bees in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The movie explores several hypotheses that have been proposed to explain CCD, such as pesticide exposure, habitat loss, disease, parasites, genetics, climate change, and stress. Each theory is examined in detail, with examples and arguments from both sides. For instance, some scientists argue that neonicotinoid pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture, impair bees' immune system, navigation, and memory, making them vulnerable to pathogens and predators. Others claim that the loss of floral diversity and quality, due to monoculture, urbanization, and pesticides, reduces the bees' foraging options and nutrition, leading to malnutrition and starvation.

The film also shows how some beekeepers and farmers are trying to adapt to the CCD crisis by adopting different practices, such as organic farming, integrated pest management, bee-friendly landscaping, and hive management. They share their successes and challenges in implementing these strategies, and how they have improved the health and productivity of their bees. They also call for more research, education, and policy changes to address the root causes of CCD and protect pollinators.

The film concludes with a message of hope and urgency. The experts emphasize that the fate of bees is intertwined with the fate of humans and the planet, and that we need to act now before it's too late. They urge viewers to take action by supporting local beekeepers, buying organic and pollinator-friendly products, planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, and advocating for stronger laws and regulations to protect pollinators. They also emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and public awareness to tackle the complex and global nature of the CCD crisis.

Overall, The Mystery of the Disappearing Bees is a thought-provoking and informative film that sheds light on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The movie combines scientific rigor, personal stories, and stunning visuals to engage and educate viewers of all ages and backgrounds. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature, agriculture, and technology and to work together for the survival of bees and the planet.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Bees is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.