Bahraini beekeepers are set to harvest a fresh batch of honey this month, marking the end of the spring season and coinciding with World Bee Day today.
The international observance focuses on protecting the winged wonders, which are the foundations of the global food system. According to United Nations Environment Programme, roughly one-third of the global food supply depends on bees, as well as other pollinators like butterflies, birds and bats.
Bees also produce therapeutic substances, including honey, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen, which are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory agents.
Despite their important role, many species are officially endangered, or facing severe population declines, due to human activities that destroy their environment.
About 40 per cent of invertebrate pollinator species – especially bees and butterflies – are at risk of extinction, making the message of this year’s World Bee Day even more timely: ‘Bee Together for People and the Planet – A Partnership That Sustains Us All’ emphasises the crucial, enduring relationship between humans and pollinators.
Among the many local bee advocates upholding this message is Bahraini beekeeper Juma Hamada, who has staged several talks on the importance of protecting bees.
The 45-year-old has been beekeeping for the last 10 years but has been around bees for longer and learned most of what he knows from experience. However, his love affair with the insects began as a child, when he studied the correct techniques of bee farming from a teacher at Duraz Intermediate School for Boys.
Mr Hamada highlighted that the kingdom produces around 150kg of honey each season; there are primarily two – spring (Rabie), from February to May, and autumn (Kharif), from October to December.
Mangrove honey – a rare, raw and nutrient-rich variety harvested from bees foraging in coastal mangrove forests – is produced during the summer.
“Spring honey is lighter in colour and made with the nectar from a variety of flowers, including neem, moringa, Assyrian plum (bambar) and nowair (a yellow desert flower),” Mr Hamada told the GDN.
“In the winter, you get darker honey with cedar being the main source of nectar,” he added.
The creative entrepreneur also sells honey-based soaps, bee pollen and propolis capsules, which he makes in his garage-turned-workshop, located close to his farm in Janusan.
Sharing his experience, he added that hives are mainly female dominated colonies. Every bee is assigned a task, from guarding the hive to catering to the queen. They are ‘promoted’ over the span of their life, with the older ones venturing outside for nectar.
A bee’s lifespan varies significantly based on its role and the season, ranging from a few weeks for summer workers to some years for a queen.
Busting the myth that apiarists in Bahrain feed sugar water to bees, which can affect the quality of honey, Mr Hamada explained that bees sometimes fall sick. “It is only in these cases that we feed a sugar and vitamin-infused solution to help them revive,” he added.
The self-taught beekeeper is among the few officially authorised local wild hive shifters. “Sometimes, people spot hives in their homes or farms and don’t know what to do with them. They call us and we relocate the hives onto our bee farm,” he said.
Complementing the efforts of professional farmers are residents passionate about bees. Bahrain is home to many who maintain hives in their gardens or on their balconies. Among them is Belgian expatriate from Dilmunia, Inge Michiels, who started bee keeping four years ago. Earlier this month, she donated them to Nadeen School for educational purposes as she moved home.
“I wanted a place where I could safely keep the hives. The school already has several wild bee colonies living peacefully on their premises, and were thrilled to take in mine. It is exciting that the students will be able to learn more about bees and give them a proper environment,” added the passionate wildlife traveller and resident of more than 20 years.
Supporting these individuals and institutions are the kingdom’s many homegrown programmes, like the National Initiative for Agricultural Development’s Forever Green afforestation campaign and the renowned annual Bahrain International Garden Show. They ensure greenery all-year round, which is a major requirement for bees, who depend on blooms for their nourishment.
The Bahrain Garden Club will stage a session on importance of pollinators for members and guests today. The workshop will be led by Russian expatriate and club committee member Irina Averinos, who is also an avid gardener. “It is important to educate ourselves and the younger generation about pollinators’ role in the ecosystem,” said the long-term resident from Jurdab.
“The club continues to distribute bee-friendly flower seeds among the public. Marigold, Lavender, Borage, Asters, Dahlia, Oregano, Fennel, Snapdragons, Rosemary, Sunflowers, Roses, Hibiscus, Moringa and Jojoba are some bee-friendly plants that can be grown here,” she added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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