Beekeeping Congress to focus on decline of bee population

The 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress being held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will focus on the natural factors that are contributing to the decline of the bee population.

The event will be held from October 30 to November 2, 2022 under a theme Building the Resilience of a Beekeeping Industry after a Natural Disaster”.

Stakeholders attended the launch on Monday October 17 at SPAZIO Headquarters Conference Room in Frenches. Present at the launch were Cornelius Richards, Coordinator for the Caribbean Beekeeping Congress, Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extension Officer and Shafika Andrews, Head of the Secretariat for the Caribbean Beekeeping Congress.

Coordinator for the Congress, Cornelius Richards informed the gathering that the 2021 La Soufriere Volcano eruption severely impacted the beekeeping industry in SVG, however, since then the bee population is recovering smoothly which is largely impart due to the hard work of the Apiculturist of SVG.

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Richards concluded by inviting regional and international partners to SVG to share information on resiliency development in the beekeeping industry following a natural disaster.

Beekeeping Extension Officer, Allan Williams disclosed that the event would be a dynamic experience with several activities centered on the dissemination of information about the industry. He also stated that there would be a mass tree planting activity as part of the endeavor to replenish the tree population following the volcanic eruption as it plays a major role in bee development. Mr. Williams extended an invitation to all current and aspiring beekeepers to register as it can assist in building their capacity in bee development.

Head of Secretariat for the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress, Shafika Andrews encouraged persons to make the investment as the knowledge acquired would be worth it in the end. “Do not hesitate to learn about bees and the importance of honey.” She stressed.

The event is expected to provide beekeepers with the opportunity to gain exposure, but it will also assist in sensitizing the wider communities on the importance of bees to our food security. This congress will also promote opportunities for new alternative livelihoods, particularly for young persons.

Persons can register online at https://cbc.acboonline.com/ or at the main office, located at SPAZIO’s Headquarters in Frenches. They can be contacted via telephone number, (784) 434 – 4031 or via email, apiforum2022@gmail.com.