Shillong, May 20: In celebration of World Bee Day, NESFAS hosted two key events aimed at highlighting the vital role of bees and traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
The celebrations included a Beekeepers’ Co-Learning Workshop and an Agrobiodiversity (ABD) Walk in Laitlyndop, East Khasi Hills held on May 19 and 20, 2025, respectively.
These programmes are part of NESFAS’s ongoing project titled “Demonstrate successful community-based initiatives and innovate to create healthy and sustainable food systems to conserve, manage biodiversity, build climate resilience, improve nutrition, and improve local livelihoods”, funded by the The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (UN-IFAD).
Guided by the 2025 World Bee Day theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all,” the programmes served as platforms for knowledge exchange, intergenerational learning, and celebration of indigenous wisdom.
The workshop brought together beekeepers from 14 communities across Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts to exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions on managing beekeeping practices, and highlighted the vital roles that bees play in sustaining ecosystems and supporting livelihoods.
Mr. Bada Shabong, beekeeper, Nongpriang, “First of all, I would like to thank NESFAS for inviting us to celebrate World Bee Day. We are happy to meet fellow beekeepers and exchange valuable insights on beekeeping. I believe this workshop will be beneficial for all of us. I also urge NESFAS to continue supporting us and to understand the challenges we face.”
“Bees act as early warning systems, reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with nature. Their survival depends on how we care for and respect the land”, shared Ms Gratia E Dkhar, Sr. Associate, Programme, NESFAS.
She added that each variety of honey shared during the workshop tells a story of pollination, biodiversity, and community, underlining that beekeeping is not merely a livelihood, but a meaningful act of stewardship.
The workshop also consisted of a honey tasting session. During this session, beekeepers presented their unique honey varieties for a hedonic test, offering everyone an opportunity to evaluate and appreciate the diverse flavours, textures, and qualities through sensory experience.
Beekeepers shared insights on the types of bees commonly found in their respective areas, highlighting the unique characteristics and behaviours of each species.
The discussion also covered traditional and modern methods of beekeeping practiced in the communities, including the design and structure of hives, techniques of honey harvesting, and the various approaches to processing honey.
More than just an exchange of knowledge, this programme evolved into a meaningful storytelling session where beekeepers proudly shared their journeys, experiences, and deep connections with bees.
However, over the past 20 years, beekeepers have observed concerns such as biodiversity loss leading to bee population decline, reduced honey production, low youth participation, and challenges arising from an unorganised market.
During the ABD Walk Mr. Welcome Synrem, a traditional knowledge holder and beekeeper from Laitlyndop, guided the students through the village landscapes, introducing them to various plant species known for their pollination services.
He explained how plant indicators help determine the time for honey harvest and its flavour, while sharing insights into his beekeeping journey and the vital role bees play in conserving biodiversity for food, nutrition, and livelihood.
He also showcased different types of apiary boxes, such as framed box hives and hollow log hives, and spoke about how bees recognize and respond to keepers who care for them.
The session continued with a hands-on activity, where the children were taken to the forest to collect saplings from tree species that support pollination. Mr. Synrem explained the importance of tree location, species, and the method of thinning sapling near mature trees.
The students later planted the collected saplings in their school garden and in nearby degraded land areas, contributing to restoration efforts and learning the importance of nurturing pollinator-friendly habitats.
Looking ahead, these events can serve as a valuable networking platform for beekeepers to strengthen their practices, share innovations, and explore collaborative opportunities.
NESFAS through TIP and the Indigenous Pollinators Network initiatives have played an important role among indigenous communities globally to safeguard pollinators, promote traditional knowledge systems, and strengthen food sovereignty.
NESFAS and its partner communities remain committed to supporting these communities and ensuring that the voices of beekeepers continue to be heard, valued, and empowered.
