In Issue 61

Dear friends

As we go to press the events of 11 September and the war in Afghanistan continue to dominate the news headlines. There have also been too many other catastrophes in 2001: floods in some countries, droughts in others, earthquakes, continuing wars in Africa, hurricanes, refugee crises: the list is never-ending.

Given the scale of these events it may seem as if the individual can do nothing to alleviate the suffering of so many people. It is true, nobody can solve all these problems. However, what we can do is to focus on one tiny area and try to assist. Beekeeping is a form of agriculture possible almost everywhere, and is recognised increasingly as a good way to help people to create and sustain livelihoods. It is even sometimes feasible for people living in refugee camps or in other very vulnerable and difficult situations.

The number of requests for information arriving at Bees for Development from projects and individual beekeepers, just goes on increasing. We are currently in touch with well over 7000 beekeepers and projects all over the world, the majority in developing countries.

Aside from specific enquiries, we cannot continue one-to-one correspondence with everyone, and this magazine is the best way to keep everyone informed and in touch with the world of beekeeping. Sponsorship from our supporting charity The Troy Trust enables us to send this information to those of you working in countries where payment is impossible. We still have many correspondents waiting to join the network.

2001 has been another busy year for Bees for Development. Recently we have participated in the 37th Apimondia Congress in South Africa (see page 3) and the UK’s 70th National Honey Show in London: these events have enabled us to meet with many B&D readers and supporters.

What is lined up for next year?

Early in 2002 Bees for Development will be honoured to have Professor Dewey Caron of the University of Delaware, USA working with us for a short period: indeed he will be taking over as Guest Editor of the next edition of B&D.

We are also starting a research project in collaboration with our long-term partner Gladstone Solomon in the Caribbean island of Tobago. This project will compare the economy and productivity of top-bar hives and frame hives under the conditions prevailing in Tobago.

I thank everyone who has supported us this year. Please continue in 2002 and we will continue endeavouring to provide information and advice to beekeepers worldwide. Let us hope for more bees and beekeepers, and more peaceful times in the year ahead.

Nicola Bradbear

Bees for Development

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