Causes and Response Strategies for the Decline of Honey Bee Populations in the Process of Urbanization

Abstract

Honey bees are extensively studied pollinators of significant ecological importance. Their role in plant pollination is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring global food security.. However, their populations are declining sharply in highly urbanized areas. Given that urbanization is an inevitable trend in social development, balancing human development with honey bee survival has become a critical challenge. Existing research often focuses on monitoring honey bee populations and identifying influencing factors, with insufficient in-depth studies on technological approaches to promote humanbee coexistence within the urban context. Urbanization introduces threats such as pesticide use in urban greening, industrial pollution, and the urban heat island effect, which endanger honey bees. Strategies like Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM), urban beekeeping (including optimized greening and hive installation), and the “Canopy System” show positive results. However, challenges remain, including low adoption rates of relevant management models and the high cost hindering the widespread application of some technologies. Future technological developments are expected to favor the creation of intelligent, systematic solutions, integrating multidisciplinary technologies and strengthening ecological corridor planning. Furthermore, integrating technology, policy, and public education is essential. This review covers the importance and conservation value of honey bees, the threats posed by urbanization and their causes, the effectiveness of existing conservation technologies, policies, and future directions, aiming to provide references for promoting sustainable urban development characterized by harmonious human-bee coexistence.