At the 16^th Conference of the Parties (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, global leaders will come together to address interconnected crises—biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation through a people-centered approach. This year's discussions will focus on ensuring that land continues to provide climate and biodiversity solutions, emphasizing the role of ecosystems in sustaining life on Earth. As the health of our planet relies on every piece of the puzzle, including pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, we invite you to meet Bea the honeybee. 

Bea, a honeybee who has a big impact on our planet with her seemingly tiny wings and small actions. Every day,, Bea flies from flower to flower, collecting nectar and transferring pollen to help plants reproduce. This process of pollination is crucial for around 90% of flowering plant species, sustaining ecosystems globally, ensuring food security, biodiversity and resilience. From the food we eat to the oxygen we breathe; the health of our planet relies on the work that Bea and her fellow pollinators do. 

However, the urgency of protecting biodiversity becomes clear when we consider what happens if Bea disappears. Pollinators like bees are responsible for pollinating nearly 75% of the world’s food crops. If these essential species decline or go extinct, the consequences would be devastating. Without them, plant reproduction would falter, leading to a collapse of the food webs that support everything from herbivores to apex predators, including humans. 

This is not just a hypothetical scenario. Bee populations are at risk of decline worldwide due to factors such as habitat loss, widespread use of pesticides, climate change and pollution. As bee numbers dwindle, ecosystems begin to unravel. The cascading effects of pollinators loss go beyond food production—they threaten the balance of ecosystems that regulate climate, purify air and water, and sustain biodiversity. 

The disappearance of a single species like the bee can trigger a domino effect that destabilizes entire ecosystems. This interconnectedness is the essence of biodiversity: every species, no matter how small, plays a critical role in maintaining the health and resilience of the planet. Losing bees means losing more than honey or crops—it means losing the foundation of life itself. 

Efforts to combat biodiversity loss 

UNDP Egypt is committed to protecting biodiversity and strengthening efforts to protect the ecosystems that sustain life. In Egypt, these efforts align with global actions discussed at COP16 and other important global conferences. One key initiative is the Biodiversity Finance Policy and Institutional Review, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. This strategic framework identifies funding gaps and opportunities for biodiversity conservation, securing the financial resources needed to protect Egypt’s diverse ecosystems. 

In response to recent threats to marine life, such as a shark incident in the Red Sea, UNDP helped the Ministry of Environment establish a real-time monitoring system to track unusual shark movements. This system ensures public safety and contributes to preserving marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting ecosystems on land and in the sea. 

In the Wadi El Gemal protected area, UNDP launched a sustainable beekeeping initiative in cooperation with the ministry. This project trains local women in beekeeping techniques and honey production and provides economic opportunities while protecting bee populations and promoting pollination in the region.