UNESCO has been working closely with Cambodia to strengthen sustainable beekeeping practices and biodiversity conservation through training, capacity development, and awareness-raising activities. The organization is focusing on women’s empowerment through the CAPFISH-Capture programme, funded by the European Union, and the UNESCO x Guerlain Women for Bees programme.
In July 2021, UNESCO launched the Rapid Assessment: Beekeeping Ecosystem at Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a first-of-its-kind study of the beekeeping ecosystem in the area. The assessment was conducted as part of the UNESCO x Guerlain partnership to promote biodiversity conservation and foster sustainable beekeeping through training and capacity development with a focus on women’s empowerment.
Based on the assessment findings, UNESCO conducted a consultation with honey value-chain stakeholders and a policy dialogue with relevant ministries to develop a roadmap for a National Plan on Sustainable Beekeeping and Native Honey Bee Conservation. The roadmap outlines the status of bee conservation, honey and trade, as well as gaps, good practices, and opportunities to promote sustainable beekeeping practices in Cambodia. A high-level consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Asian Cultural Council, line ministries, and other stakeholders is planned for June 2023 to support the finalization of the roadmap and initiate the development of the National Plan.
Since 2022, UNESCO has provided trainings to selected women on beekeeping with native bees and tour guides on apitourism in Angkor Archeological Park, Siem Reap. The trainings aimed to build capacity, promote sustainable beekeeping practices, native bee conservation, and women’s empowerment. Trainings were also held on stingless bees in Samlout, native bee conservation and rafter beekeeping in Bak Prea and Stung Sen, Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve.
UNESCO will continue to work closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly the Ministry of Environment, to provide technical support and additional training with a view to foster sustainable beekeeping practices and native bee conservation in Cambodia. This collaboration aims to create viable alternative income-generation livelihood opportunities for local communities, especially women, while preserving the environment and biodiversity.
Photo: Man Rathea: Improving the lives of beekeepers while promoting Cambodian honey globally.
