One third of the world’s food production depends on pollinators such as bees. Despite their small size, their impact on the Earth is essential, for if they were to disappear, the consequences for our ecosystems would be dire.
For more than a decade, Guerlain has been leading global initiatives to protect bees with the Guerlain For Bees Conservation Programme. To further preserve their protection, from 20 to 22 May, the French house will donate 20% of purchases made online or in shop to the Guerlain For Bees Coservation Programme.
This year, to celebrate World Bee Day, Guerlain has teamed up with Dutch photographer Joris Vegter to show the delicacy of bees in their environment through the camera. This collaboration not only highlights the beauty that is revealed of them, but also shows their importance within the ecosystem. As in previous years, such as with the artist Céline Cléron, the Maison promotes sustainable and respectful actions to preserve biodiversity. The photographer has been recognised as a winner of National Geographic photography awards in 2021 and Nature Photography of the year in 2023.
Joris Vegter works with a flash diffuser to create a lower illumination.
My greatest wish is to raise awareness of the importance of these tiny creatures that populate our gardens, as well as their beauty.
Vegter works meticulously and with careful focus so as not to harm the bees with the camera lights. He is thus able to get close enough to reveal the silent but necessary work of the small honey producers. In addition to the commitment through photography, Guerlain presents the limited edition of Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Aqueous Oil, in partnership with ONIRIQ.
Protecting bees through tradition
The Advanced Youth Aqueous Oil is back in a limited edition for another year to claim and celebrate the day of the bees. A mythical product and very representative of the Maison with 95% natural ingredients. Guerlain has always wanted to work with artisan beekeepers to extract honey naturally, guaranteeing its quality and the safety of the bees. They combine the healing power of royal jelly with honeys from Ouessant, France, the black bee, Corsica, Icaria in Greece and Aland in Finland.
The photographs show the delicacy of these beings, but the power they have on the planet.
Over the years, the French company has built up a network of allies to promote protection, education, empowerment and innovation about bees. For example, they have projects where they sensitise children about the care of bees and the conservation of natural diversity. They are also committed to beekeeping entrepreneurship for women, with the Women for Bees programme, promoting equality and opportunity for everyone, without forgetting the traditional techniques for extracting the purest honey.
During the foraging season, the bees take breaks to resume their work with more energy.
The importance of keeping bees safe goes beyond their role in pollination, as it is thanks to their work that they are able to balance the ecosystem. Unfortunately, several factors are damaging their natural habitat, for example, the use of pesticides or environmental pollution. Thus, it is necessary to participate in concrete and meaningful actions to preserve a more sustainable and respectful future. In the same way that bees work silently, we should want to continue to listen to the buzzing of the flowers that give us life.
