In Issue 94

2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations, to raise awareness of the rate at which we humans are reducing the variety of natural life on earth.

Beekeepers are one group who are working to safeguard biodiversity — we understand the vital role that bees fulfil. And it seems that more people want to join us - beekeeping is enjoying arenaissance! Here in the UK, beekeeping classes are over-subscribed and extra courses are planned.

And this edition of BfD Journal brings you news of more success stories in many countries: the indigenous honey bee Apis cerana japonica is staging a recovery in Japan with beekeepers selling the honey at four times the standard honey price; beekeepers in Turkey selling honey harvested from log hives at premium prices; and beekeepers selling all that they can harvest in Malawi.

This beekeeping renaissance is bringing many new and beautiful books on bees (see pages 16 and 17), and more international! events than ever before (page 18). Just looking at November, it starts during the international Conference on Beekeeping Development and Honey Marketing in Vietnam(30 October — 2 November), followed by the Asian Apicultural Association's ever-larger Congress in South Korea (5-8 November) and, as that Conference closes, the Caribbean Congress kicks off in Grenada (8-13 November).

It seems that the great value of bees and beekeeping are becoming recognised locally and internationally. Here at Bees for Development we have an abundance of new training materials for beekeepers in Africa, and for beekeepers everywhere, we recommend you to look at the new Information Portal on our website. It contains thousands of articles on all aspects of apiculture - is constantly being updated, and it is all available to you, free of charge.

Nicola Bradbear, Director Bees for Development

Bees for Development

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