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A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TO RECOGNIZE BEEKEEPING EDUCATION DAY IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA ON JULY 19, 2023
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WHEREAS, pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of Earth’s ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land; and
WHEREAS, experts note the urgent need to address the issue of the worldwide decline of pollinator diversity and the risks that this implies for agriculture sustainability, human livelihoods and food supplies; and
WHEREAS, native pollinators including bees, butterflies, bats, birds and other insects and animals play a fundamental role in sustainable food production, which thereby promotes food security and contributes to poverty alleviation, hunger eradication and improved human health, and
WHEREAS, apiculture, or beekeeping, is the practice of keeping and maintaining beehives. Beekeeping has a longstanding history in the City of Gahanna, with apiaries long contributing to our local ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Gahanna City Council adopted Resolution RES-0008-2017 designating the City of Gahanna a “Bee City USA®” Affiliate and establishing its goals and intentions to support beekeeping and pollinator-friendly activities; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Gahanna recognizes the ecosystem services provided by bees and other pollinators to ecosystem health which must be safeguarded by monitoring the state of biodiversity in Gahanna and across Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, there exists a continuing, urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the protection of bees and other pollinators in order to contribute to their health and development; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Beekeeping Education Day and promotion of the City as a Bee City USA Affiliate contributes significantly to raising awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators at all levels and promotes local, regional, and global efforts and collective action for their protection;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council does hereby recognize July 19, 2023 as Beekeeping Education Day for the City of Gahanna.
Section 2. That this Council does hereby renew its calls to action to the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Landscape Board as set forth in RES-0008-2017 to establish policy, promote, and implement measures that recognize the importance of the protection of pollinators throughout the City of Gahanna.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.