Are there bees in Papua New Guinea?

Honey bees, which were introduced to Papua New Guinea after World War 11, are now living in the bush in many areas of the country. Bees have survived and propagated, suggesting there are bees in Papua New Guinea. Bees make honey from the nectar they collect from flowers. This is their energy food.

Can bees and trees help protect Papua New Guinea's biodiversity?

In Papua New Guinea (PNG) and across the Pacific, beekeeping has been in decline for decades, both in honey production and uptake by local communities. But recent ACIAR-supported research has examined how bees and trees can work together in agroforestry systems to improve rural livelihoods and help protect the region’s incredible biodiversity.

Can bee diets improve Papua New Guinea's biodiversity?

A study of bee diets in Papua New Guinea is promoting the conservation of biodiversity while unlocking exciting new opportunities for improved livelihoods for local farmers. Bees are food security’s unsung heroes.

Can Papua New Guinea produce honey?

Papua New Guinea has amazing potential for honey production, according to Australian researcher, Cooper Schouten. Apiculture or bee farming has been happening at a low level for several generations in PNG, but Schouten, who is at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, said it could provide an additional income stream for many more farmers.

Can bee diets improve honey production in PNG?

(L-R) Head of Helping hands Honey production Kelly Inae, showing Chris Cannizzaro and Professor Helen Wallace pollen frames from his hives in Goroka. Research has just been concluded on the composition of bee diets in PNG that will provide useful information for improved honey production. Photo supplied by Chris Cannizzaro.

Are Papua New Guinea families training beekeepers?

In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, families are being trained as beekeepers and the rewards are sweet as, wellhoney! Several years ago Kelly Inae (pictured above) came up with the idea of “Mountain Honey”, a honey making business to help farmers in rural areas by training them as beekeepers.