Are bees the most important living beings on the planet?
- Leonardo Merçon
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
In a world where so many species are on the brink of extinction, one small flying creature draws growing concern: the bees.
In 2019, the Earthwatch Institute, during a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society of London, declared that bees are the most important living beings on Earth.
Is that an exaggeration? Or are we finally recognizing the true value of one of the greatest engineers of life on our planet?
As a nature photographer, I’ve traveled to many places around the world and encountered countless incredible species of all sizes and colors, on land and at sea.
But few stories are as fascinating, resilient, and essential as those of the bees — especially Brazil’s native species, such as the jataí (Tetragonisca angustula), uruçu (Melipona rufiventris and other Melipona species), and the metallic-green solitary bees (various Halictidae and Euglossini species).
The silent work that sustains life
According to an article published by The Science Times in July 2019, about 70% of global agriculture depends on bee pollination. Without them, many plants that sustain ecosystems — and fill our plates — would simply fail to reproduce. Life would collapse, from the fruits of the forests to the food in our cities.
If bees go extinct, the balance of ecosystems we rely on so heavily could collapse as well. In this era of accelerating climate crisis, humanity faces a dilemma: change our relationship with nature, or risk disappearing as a society.
Brazil’s native bees
Here in Espírito Santo, in the Atlantic Forest, I’ve become accustomed to photographing native bees in action. Tiny Jataís (Tetragonisca angustula) building nests in tree crevices. The golden Uruçus (Melipona spp.) dancing around the flowers of the coastal restinga scrublands. Or the solitary, metallic-green orchid bees and sweat bees glistening on the wet leaves of the rainforest like living jewels.
Many of these native bees are stingless, live in complex societies, produce honey, and pollinate endemic plants in our ecosystems. Best of all, they’re all around us — even if most people hardly notice their presence.
A hive in the car’s exhaust pipe
One of the most remarkable moments I’ve experienced with bees happened in a very unusual way. We had left the car of the Instituto Últimos Refúgios (our institute of nature conservation) parked for a few days, only to discover that a hive had formed inside the exhaust pipe.
Instead of simply starting the engine — which would have killed the bees — we made a more ethical decision: carefully removed the entire exhaust system and replaced it with a new one. The bees were saved, free to continue their mission of pollinating and sustaining life.
It was a simple, though laborious, gesture — but one full of meaning. You can watch this story in the reels I’ve shared on Instagram.
Growing threats
Unfortunately, many species of bees have already disappeared in different regions of the world in recent years. The indiscriminate use of pesticides, deforestation, and rapid urbanization are pushing these beings to the brink. And with them, the entire intricate web of life we depend on. Protecting bees is not just about saving “cute little insects.”
If not the most important, certainly among them
Some may consider the declaration that bees are “the most important living beings on the planet” an exaggeration, since organisms such as plankton also play a fundamental role. But perhaps this isn’t a competition. What truly matters is protecting all the interdependent systems that keep us alive.
An invitation to reflect
Respecting nature is essential. We must value the small beings that work in silence, providing critical ecosystem services, asking nothing in return — except that we allow them to exist.
If you have ever been enchanted by the flight of a bee, or surprised by a hive built in some unusual corner, know that this is a privilege. At least for me, it always is!
My mission with nature photography is to inspire through beauty, create empathy through stories, and encourage real action from people moved by compassion.
I invite you to explore my work, share this message, and keep following my adventures and records on Instagram @leonardomercon and @ultimosrefugios.
Let’s care for biodiversity together — before we no longer have that choice.
Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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