Good Beekeeping Practices For Sustainable Apiculture

Through proper breeding and care of social bees, beekeepers can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Experts always recommend the sustainable One Health approach for apiculture, which results in high-quality bee products and services. These guidelines, produced with the support of Apimondia experts and other international bee experts, define different beekeeping models, types of social bee and their geographical distribution, including Apis mellifera, Africanized bees, Apis cerana, Micrapis, Megapis, stingless bees and the Bombus genus, and good beekeeping practices (GBPs) for each of these types. The guidelines also look at products (honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis) and services (pollination, environmental monitoring, apitherapy, apitourism, cultural and spiritual services) that social bees provide, and set out GBPs and traceability systems for sustainable management of bees and their products. The full production process is covered, from catching or purchasing bees, to obtaining high-quality bee products and services, with a special focus on smallscale beekeepers. In this way, they aim to guide sustainable implementation of beekeeping in development projects. Topics relevant to the development of the beekeeping sector, such as the role of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and beekeepers’ associations and training in beekeeping, are also discussed in dedicated chapters. Sustainable apiculture requires good knowledge on the proper management of bees to optimize the natural systems and resources beekeepers rely on. Specifically, knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies and innovations can help increase productivity. The last chapter is therefore dedicated to future perspectives and innovations in modern beekeeping such as precision farming, innovative trace ability systems, bee data standardization and blockchain technologies.

Bees provide a critical link in the maintenance of ecosystems, pollination. They play a major role in maintaining biodiversity, ensuring the survival of many plants, enhancing forest regeneration, providing sustainability and adaptation to climate change and improving the quality and quantity of agricultural production systems. In fact, close to 75 percent of the world’s crops that produce fruits and seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on pollinators for sustained production, yield and quality. Beekeeping, also called apiculture, refers to all activities concerned with the practical management of social bee species. These guidelines aim to provide useful information and suggestions for a sustainable management of bees around the world, which can then be applied to project development and implementation.

This is a practical tool to help beekeepers, veterinarians and beekeeping advisory services to properly identify main honeybee diseases and to take the most appropriate actions in the apiary to control and/or prevent disease outbreaks. This publication follows the TECA publication Main bee diseases: good beekeeping practices (2018) which provided a more general overview of good beekeeping practices for bee diseases. This manual is a unique publication because, through its presentation of practical information, simple visuals, and understandable content, it helps beekeepers to correctly identify main honeybee diseases in a timely manner. More specifically, the manual creatively illustrates actions which facilitate the identification of disease symptoms. It also presents a comprehensive list of good beekeeping practices to adopt in the apiary as well as biosafety measures to reduce the risk of the introduction and the spread of main honeybee diseases. The manual’s overall objective is ultimately to support a more sustainable beekeeping sector.

Control of diseases and pests of honey bees is one of most challenging tasks in improving quality of honey and honey bee by-products, especially for the beekeepers in developing countries. This publication describes common diseases and pests of honey bees and their importance and provides a practical guide to the basic technology available to beekeepers for their control and prevention.

"The honey bee: a manual of instruction in apiculture" by Frank Benton is one of the earliest examples of apiary care books. Bee-keeping has always been a hobby that's fascinated people. Whether for leisure or for profit, one needs help to make sure their hive stays healthy and thriving. Benton helped countless aspiring bee-keepers and his words are still surprisingly relevant today.

"Sustainable Beekeeping Practices: Nurturing Bees and Protecting our Planet" is a groundbreaking book that illuminates the importance of eco-friendly methods in beekeeping and provides a comprehensive guide to sustainable practices. This book is an invaluable resource for beekeepers, conservationists, and anyone interested in promoting a harmonious relationship between bees and the environment. "Sustainable Beekeeping Practices" offers a wealth of knowledge on alternative hive designs, organic hive management techniques, natural pest and disease control, and responsible honey harvesting. With this book beekeepers will learn how to create bee-friendly habitats, promote biodiversity, and minimize the use of harmful chemicals, ultimately enhancing the resilience and well-being of their bee colonies. Beyond practical considerations, this book explores the interconnectedness between bees, the environment, and human well-being. It highlights the far-reaching implications of sustainable beekeeping, including the preservation of biodiversity, food security, and the overall health of our planet. The authors' desire is to inspire readers to become ambassadors of change, advocating for sustainable practices in beekeeping and beyond. Whether you are an experienced beekeeper seeking to transition to more eco-friendly methods or a newcomer to the world of beekeeping, "Sustainable Beekeeping Practices" provides a comprehensive roadmap for embracing a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach. This book not only equips readers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices but also empowers them to become stewards of the environment, fostering a brighter future for bees and our planet. With its accessible language and practical guidance, "Sustainable Beekeeping Practices" is a must-read for anyone passionate about protecting bees, safeguarding our natural resources, and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Beekeeper’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Apiculture is a must-have resource for anyone interested in the art and science of beekeeping. This comprehensive guide takes readers on a journey into the captivating world of bees, providing practical advice and insights for both novice and experienced beekeepers. From understanding bee behavior and hive management to honey production and disease prevention, this handbook covers all aspects of apiculture. It highlights the vital role of bees in our ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of ethical and sustainable beekeeping practices. Whether you are a beekeeping enthusiast or a beginner eager to start your own hive, The Beekeeper’s Handbook equips you with the knowledge and tools to embark on a fulfilling and rewarding journey as a beekeeper.

"Bee-Keeping" by John Cumming. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.