"호텔 옥상에 꿀벌이?"…도심에서 생태계 지키는 꿀벌들<br /><br />When we think of honey bees, we imagine them buzzing around in the countryside.<br />However, some people are raising bees in hives on top of buildings in Seoul.<br />Our Jang Tae-hyun went to an urban bee farm to see what it's all about.<br />Bees help make one-third of the food on our table.<br />The Food and Agriculture Organization said close to 75 percent of world's crops producing fruits and seeds for human consumption depend on pollinators like bees.<br />So, without them, the ecosystem would be destroyed and our food supply would be under threat.<br />Luckily, some people are working hard to protect these little miracle workers.<br />"These honey bees don't live in the countryside, but rather at a bee farm on the roof of a hotel in Seoul."<br />The founder of the organization 'Urban Bees Seoul' says that he started the business to help sustain the bee population and support the ecosystem.<br />It might sound odd to see bees on the rooftop, but he says that everything is perfectly safe.<br />"People might be scared of beekeeping in the city. We understand that because we felt the same way at first. But, there's a way to coexist with the bees if we wear safety equipment... and follow the rules and regulations."<br />According to the United Nations, there are 20-thousand species of bee worldwide, but around 40 percent are endangered... and as their numbers decline, the price of crops spikes.<br />Pesticide, climate change and disease are causing bees around the world to die out.<br />The Urban Bees Seoul educates people about breeding bees,... and there's over 20 bee farms in South Korea's capital region.<br />And, the best part is when they get the honey.<br />"Now, it's time to collect organic honey from the beehive."<br />This honey passes the government's safety test every time, and even though it comes from the city, air pollution doesn't affect it at all.<br />"Honey made in the city doesn't use pesticides. So, the twist is that we can have safer honey. Isn't that surprising?"<br />Honey made in Seoul is sold at stores and there's a sticker telling people where in Seoul it's made.<br />This urban beekeeping is a creative way to help the ecosystem, and has the added bonus of delicious and healthy honey.<br />Jang Tae-hyun, Arirang News.<br />
