Role of Norfolk Beekeepers’ Association in the Wider Community
Beekeeping is not just about producing honey but is about preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture. By sharing knowledge and resources beekeeping communities can contribute to the conservation and sustainability of these vital pollinators. You may be interested to know that Norfolk Beekeepers’ Association are sponsors of two very worthwhile bee charities:
Bees for Development
Share sustainable beekeeping skills by delivering practical community-based projects enabling people to make a living through working with nature, harvesting honey and beeswax while helping to preserve biodiversity. Beekeeping is low cost, sustainable, and has the greatest effect on those who have the very least using local skills, local materials, and local bees. They work in Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
Bees Abroad
Works to relieve poverty through sustainable beekeeping practices. Over the last 25 years they have trained over 7000 beekeepers across 15 countries offering local support, community engagement to protect the environment and provide both opportunities and income allowing self-sufficiency. They promote hive twinning and also innovative projects to help amputees and deaf people. They are a resource centre for educational material and support and currently have 50 live projects over 7 countries including Nigeria, Okun Owa, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana.
NBKA are also supporting research:
British Disease Insurance is sponsoring a new research project into Sting Allergy. They have asked bee associations to help contribute although they are the major donor. Our association together with West Norfolk & Kings Lynn Beekeepers’ Association are contributing as this is a very important subject that any of us may develop.
