Gabon: When beekeeping reduces community pressure on the forest and wildlife
Gabon: When beekeeping reduces community pressure on the forest and wildlife
Boris Ngounou, Afrik 21
August 4, 2022
See link
https://www.afrik21.africa/en/gabon-when-beekeeping-reduces-community-pressure-on-the-forest-and-wildlife/
for photo.
In the provinces of Ogooué-Ivindo and Ngounié, located respectively in the
north-east and south of Gabon, local communities are being introduced to
the practice of beekeeping. Funded by the European Union (EU) and
implemented by Conservation Justice, the Reinforcement of Wildlife Law
Enforcement (RALFF) programme aims to reduce the footprint of local
communities on the forest and wildlife.
Rural communities in Ogooué-Ivindo and Ngounié, two provinces in the
north-east and south of Gabon respectively, now have an effective
alternative to poaching and illegal logging. After being inventoried, these
communities were trained in honey cultivation (beekeeping). The team of
experts composed of members of Conservation Justice, Muyissi Environnement,
Blessing Of The Forest and Apiculture Service Gabon then supervised the
installation of beehives for the benefit of these communities.
These activities are being carried out under the Reinforcement of Wildlife
Law Enforcement (RALFF) programme. A project funded by the European Union
(EU) and implemented since 2014 by the nature protection organisation,
Conservation Justice. The RALFF programme aims to support the government in
implementing alternatives to wildlife trafficking and illegal logging.
The Ecological Contribution of Beekeeping
By flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar, bees catalyse the
pollination of tree species, thus contributing to the regeneration and
development of forests. They also constitute an economic attraction through
the production of honey and the development of apitourism as a secondary
tourist activity. In addition, trials are underway to use bees as a barrier
against elephant intrusion in village plantations.
According to data provided by Conservation Justice, global honey production
in 2019 was 1.8 million tonnes, and demand continues to grow. The
installation of beehives in the provinces of Ogooué-Ivindo and Ngounié
should enable the production of a high-quality honey that is in high demand
on the local and international markets. The income generated by the sale of
honey and other beehive products (raw or processed: candle wax, cosmetics
and propolis) will enable communities to meet some of their needs and to
develop related activities essential to community development.