Slovenian beekeepers put forward the initiative to plant two million honey plants in Slovenia by 2030. Minister Podgoršek, who participated in the event held at the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association, said that it was one small step for us, but one giant leap for bees and pollinators. "By doing this we help the planet, biodiversity, bees and other pollinators. If we help them, we will have food. That is why I am pleased that we can support the project also with public funds." Together with the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food financed the supply and delivery of 10,000 seedlings of native melliferous trees and shrubs through the Climate Fund.

The Day of planting honey plants encourages the world to join the initiative. Our planet needs honey plants to preserve the environment and pollinators, since 70% of food crops rely on pollination. This is the first specific project in the EU that will support the EU's objective of planting three billion trees by 2030, while significantly contributing to the planned sinks of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and climate neutrality in Europe. The project highlights the importance of preserving a clean and healthy environment. This is vital, since bees and other pollinators are very much impacted by every change in the environment however small it may be.

In Slovenia, we devote great attention to beekeeping. We have a very rich flora with a wide range of different plants, which help us take care of bees and improve honey flow. Ornamental plants can also be useful. Bees and pollinators will be at the centre of attention on 20 May on the occasion of the fifth World Bee Day. The main topic of this year's celebration are young people engaged in beekeeping.