Sweet Dilemma: Protecting Chinese Honeybees and Their Nectar Gold | Updates from CBCGDF Community Conservation Area at Tongbaishan, Henan Province


In the intricate web of life, every species plays a vital role, and the "Chinese honey bee" (Apis cerana cerana), is no exception. These diligent and indigenous insects are not just ordinary insects; they are indispensable pollinators that exert a profound influence on agriculture and natural ecosystems. By facilitating the pollination of crops, Chinese honeybees contribute directly to food supply and agricultural production. Yet, in recent years, the population of these precious pollinators has been in precipitous decline, primarily due to factors such as the excessive use of chemical pesticides in modern agriculture and the competition they face from invasive species like the Italian honeybee.

In a commendable effort to safeguard the invaluable genetic resources represented by the Chinese honeybee, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) established a Community Conservation Area for Chinese Honeybees at Tongbai Mountain, Henan Province. This undertaking seeks not only to protect the Chinese honeybee populations but also to foster their survival within the local ecosystems while promoting sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.

On the morning of October 18, 2023, Mr. Liu Hongcheng, the director of the Chinese Honeybee Sanctuary at Tongbai Mountain, presented a report to the sanctuary's working group on the state of the Chinese honeybee population in the autumn of the same year. He revealed that, within the secluded mountains of Henan's Tongbai Mountain, there were more than 800 thriving colonies of Chinese honeybees. The harvest this year was bountiful, yielding an impressive quantity of wild honey, amounting to around 6000 pounds. However, amidst this prosperity, there loomed a pressing concern – the challenge of marketing this natural bounty.

Protecting Chinese honeybees extends beyond maintaining ecological equilibrium and bolstering agricultural productivity; it is a testament to our respect for biodiversity. Mr. Liu Hongcheng mentioned an ongoing struggle in the sale of these premium bee products, a challenge complicated by the presence of a formidable adversary – the mass-produced honey that dominates the market. Small-scale beekeepers often find themselves unable to meet the stringent criteria and standards that characterize industrial production, rendering their honey a less competitive choice for consumers. In essence, the current quality system for honey in China, to some extent, caters to industrialized production and is somewhat misaligned with the unique characteristics of artisanal, free-range honey.

In light of these challenges, Liu Hongcheng issued a heartfelt appeal to society and e-commerce platforms to support the endeavors of beekeepers. By doing so, he hopes to ensure that the superior-quality honey produced by the Chinese honeybee can reach a wider audience, transcending the confines of the mountains and finding its way into the homes of discerning consumers.

Preserving biodiversity is a formidable responsibility, and when it comes to honey, there is more at stake than meets the eye. Liu Hongcheng's call for support is not only a plea to preserve these essential pollinators but also an invitation to honor traditional and sustainable practices, fostering a profound respect for the natural world. In the delicate dance of life, the Chinese honeybee plays a harmonious tune, and it is our collective duty to ensure that this melody continues to grace our ecosystems and agriculture for generations to come.

Reporter: Linda
Editor: Samantha

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776


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