NEWS AROUND THE WORLD
Bees for Development Journal
75
NEWS AROUND THE WORLD BENIN received the issues of Bees for Development Journal thank you, and will be sharing them with the beekeepers. The Journals will be filed in the Peace Corps Information Resource Centre here for other volunteers interested in apiculture. Currently am involved in training beekeepers and their communities against deforestation and starting tree nurseries of melliferous species at each site. Apparently there has been a great drop in honey production since the installation of the hives around year 2000 - drastic deforestation of the region has been a major contribution. |
network of more than 600 grassroots organisations. It will help Brazil towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals of reducing extreme poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.
Source: UNDP Newsfront
CAMEROON
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Jenny Hislop, PCV - Environmental Action, Athieme
BRAZIL
Caatinga Forest Initiative A US$27 million initiative was launched in 2004 by President Lula, to conserve the unique Caatinga Forest in drought-prone northeast Brazil. The project will help improve livelihoods in this poor region of the country with a population of 18.5 million. "Precious ecosystems, such as the Caatinga, have been weakened by unsustainable pressure. Wood still provides nearly one-third of the region's energy", said President Lula.
Caatinga means white forest in the local tupi-guarani language, so named because many trees are without leaves for much of the year, sporting only silvery bark. It is home fo many animals and up to 20,000 plant species. The forest covers 10% of the country's land area, and its wood provides fuel for local steel, brick and tile industries. Excessive tree cutting is causing soil erosion that degrades lands and reduces water quality, diminishes economic productivity, and threatens plant and animal life.
Bonakanda-Bova Beefarmers' Group (BOBEEFAG)'s goal is to improve the quantity and quality of honey and bee products in Mount Cameroon Region. We are currently awaiting the outcome of a proposal on procurement of beekeeping equipment submitted to the FAO Project Support Scheme, see Notice Board page 10, through the Hon Minister of Environment & Forestry, Yaoundé. In response to our request to Netherlands Senior Experts, honeybee scientist Professor Jacob Peter Van Praagh, visited us in November 2004 to see about the technical development of commercial beekeeping in our area. Professor Van Praagh was one of the facilitators at a two-day training workshop we organised. Twenty BOBEEFAG members, 17 group representatives and 13 forest honey hunters from villages in the area participated. We collectively recommended the establishment and implementation of an organisational network, protection of honeybees, sustainable techniques in bee farming, preservation of bio-diversity and conservation of the environment.
Many thanks to Mother Nature for the availability of natural resources in our tropical region. Appreciation also to
Bees for Development Trust for support to
beekeeping development. Samuel Lyonga, Delegate, BOBEEFAG
CANADA Beeswax candles burn pure and actually change the charges on ions in the air, similar to what happens when you stand next to a waterfall or take a shower. People report this cleaner air helps with their allergies and sinus conditions. Burning a paraffin candle in your home is like
burning an old tyre:
it is
not safe!
Honey Gardens Newsletter, December 2004
CUBA Increasing export of ecological honey is part of a strategy aimed at meeting the growing demand for that product on the international market. Experts said that production of ecological honey increased last year, and new areas were certified to produce that kind of honey.
At present, a score of municipalities in eastern Cuba have been certified to produce ecological honey, since they meet international quality standards. Ecological honey is in high demand in Europe and prices are high on the international markef. That is why Cuban agricultural authorities have decided to increase production. In order to achieve that goal, Cuban apiculturists are gradually increasing continues on page 12
The project, administered by UNDP will develop a framework to guide conservation and sustainable use of forest resources for 160 communities. It will work with industries and communities to improve wood-fuelled ovens so they burn more efficiently. The initiative will help communities to integrate management of forest areas where wood is harvested and to harvest fruits, medicinal plants, oils and honey.
The Global Environment Facility is providing US$4 million for the project. Co-financing worth US$23 million will come from the Government of Brazil, regional and national institutions, and other organisations, including FAO and the North-East Bank. The project is a broad public-private partnership that includes a
Kenya: Award for Adventure opportunity for Emwatsi Primary School, see page 12
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