In Issue 67

Dear friends

Apimondia 2003 - a treat for beekeepers

In August, the 38th APIMONDIA Congress will take place in Slovenia. APIMONDIA is the World Federation of Beekeepers' Associations and every second year organises the major bee event that is the APIMONDIA Congress. The Congress is attended by people working in all the different fields that involve bees: for professionals and amateurs, every facet of apiculture is covered. Of particular interest to readers of this Journal is the Standing Commission for Beekeeping for Rural Development. The Commission will organise three sessions during the Congress: Beekeeping against Poverty, Beekeeping Worldwide and Beekeeping in Eastern Europe. There will also be an area within the Congress where everyone working in this field will have the chance to meet. I forward to meeting you there!

Slovenia is a beautiful country, one of the smallest in Europe, with only two million people. Slovenia remains well forested, with abundant natural resources for bees. This means that beekeeping is a popular and important part of Slovenian life, and indeed this is the Congress theme: Beekeeping, a way of life.

In addition to hundreds of talks and presentations on all aspects of bees and beekeeping, there is Apiexpo, a large trade exhibition with stands from many countries, social events, cultural displays and technical visits. It will indeed be a great treat for beekeepers. See www.apimondia2003.com for more details (also page 16).

First decade complete

Yes, it is ten years since Bees for Development started work! During this time we have responded to about 25,000 enquiries, produced 40 editions of this Journal, and sent out around 160,000 copies, each time to over 130 countries. We know the work done by Bees for Development is unique, and very important, and has helped thousands of people to start and expand their beekeeping activities. Thanks to all our subscribers, supporters and friends who have enabled this organisation to reach its second decade.

Nicola Bradbear

Bees for Development

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