In Issue 20

Dear Friends

Beekeeping and Development is not just the title of this journal - it summarizes our objective! Every successful industry, small or large, is strengthened by communication amongst its participants. Beekeeping and Development aims to report news of value to our readers worldwide and to courage networking amongst us. In the beekeeping and development world information can be exchanged usefully between continents.

But there is still a need for local co-ordination. Perhaps before too many years there will exist separate journals for beekeepers in Africa, for the Caribbean and so on. carrying local news and advice.

So it is good to see an important step for regional development with the formation of the Asian Apicultural Association. AAA are adopting this journal as their Official Publication, but from time-to-time will insert their own separate supplement for distribution to AAA Members. Beekeeping and Development will also carry AAA news items. Of course there have already been great steps forward in Asian beekeeping - this edition alone brings news of publication of the Malaysian Pollen Atlas, the International Conference ta be held in Thailand next February, and major financial backing for bee research in the Himalayas. The new Association has an important role in helping to disseminate information and to forge links between all those working in Asia. So, a friendly welcome to AAA. When, as must surely happen soon, an Association is formed for Africa - what name shall it have?

Observant readers will have noticed a further change in our cover design. This incorporates IBRA‘s new freshlook loge. Hope you like it!

Nicola Bradbear, Editor

Bees for Development

1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org