MUSCAT: The Africa Bee Expo, hosted in Oman, brought together beekeepers, experts, and industry leaders from across the Gulf and beyond to explore advancements in the beekeeping sector. The conference, part of a broader Gulf initiative to enhance bee production and achieve self-sufficiency, focused on adopting modern technologies and solutions to help beekeepers increase their yields and revenues.
In his address, Muath Kazim, a representative of the Arab Beekeepers Union, praised Oman for its hospitality and highlighted the country’s successful blend of tradition and development.
He emphasized the critical role bees play in global food security, noting that they are responsible for pollinating approximately 70 per cent of agricultural crops, vital for sustaining 90 per cent of global food production. Kazim also underscored the therapeutic value of bees and honey, stressing their contribution to both biodiversity and human health.
Kazim raised concerns about the growing threats to bee populations, including climate change, pesticide overuse, and habitat destruction, which have collectively led to declining bee health. He called for collective action to preserve bee populations, emphasising that protecting bees is not just an environmental issue but a moral obligation for future generations. He urged for initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
The conference also turned its attention to the beekeeping crisis in Gaza. Kazim highlighted how the Israeli occupation and ongoing siege have severely impacted Gaza’s beekeeping industry, putting local food security at risk.
He called on the international community to support Gaza’s beekeepers in revitalizing this critical sector.
Ahmed al Ghamdi, President of the Arab Beekeepers Association, echoed the importance of the event, noting that the high-level participation of international speakers and experts made the conference a standout occasion in the Gulf. He pointed out that bees play an essential role in global food security, contributing to the pollination of plants that account for a third of the world’s food supply.
Al Ghamdi stressed that beekeeping’s future looks bright due to modern technologies that have improved productivity and safeguarded bees against climate change. He highlighted ongoing research in Gulf countries aimed at helping bees adapt to harsh environmental conditions. He also spoke about the participation of European countries, which showcased cutting-edge technologies in beekeeping that will benefit beekeepers in Oman and the wider region.
The Africa Bee Expo is set to leave a lasting impact, with international cooperation, shared knowledge, and innovative strategies paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the beekeeping industry.
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