Uttarayan, a 35+ yr old NGO working with people and ecosystem has been steadily building robust ecology across South Bengal. It being part of Pallisree, the largest nursery organisation in West Bengal makes it easier to work on ecological restorations. We are partnering with Rainmatter Foundation for Forest and landscape restoration in a participatory mode.
2 DAYS IN-HAND BEE STATION SETUP TRAINING – UW - RM AT PURULIA. Expert team from NatureMates
Location: Gar Panchkot ,Purulia, West Bengal
Subject: Bee Station Setup Training
Introduction: From 30th March to 31st march, 2024, our NGO Uttarayan Wildlife conducted a training session on Bee Station Setup in Purulia, West Bengal. The objective of this training was to educate members of our NGO and local stakeholders of lands(restoration working areas like – Ranibundh, Garshika) about the establishment and maintenance of bee stations, aiming to promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option and to contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Participants: The training session was attended by 10 to 12 members of our NGO, including UW’s project head Atin Chatterjee , volunteers and staff members. Additionally, local farmers and community members interested in beekeeping also participated in the training.
Trainer – MD. Ariful Islam from Madhuvan swanirbhar moupalak gosthhi (Barasat).
Training Content:
- Introduction to Beekeeping: First day the training began with an introduction to beekeeping, about the classification and types of bees , highlighting its importance in agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and economic sustainability. Participants were educated about the role of bees in pollination and its impact on crop yields.
- Bee Station Setup: A detailed session was conducted on setting up bee stations, including the selection of suitable locations, construction of bee boxes, and installation of necessary equipment such as frames, hives, and protective gear. Practical demonstrations were provided to ensure a clear understanding of the setup process.
- Bee Management Techniques: Participants were trained on effective bee management techniques, including hive inspection, pest and disease management, and honey harvesting practices. Emphasis was placed on sustainable beekeeping practices that promote the health and well-being of bee colonies.
- Environmental Conservation: The training underscored the importance of beekeeping in environmental conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of bees in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity. Participants were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly beekeeping practices to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
Practical Demonstration: On day two - following the theoretical sessions, participants were engaged in hands-on practical demonstrations of bee station setup, management techniques and what kind of safety should be taken. This interactive session allowed participants to gain practical skills and confidence in implementing beekeeping practices.
Feedback and Conclusion: Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm and interest in incorporating beekeeping into their livelihood activities. The training concluded with a commitment from participants to apply the knowledge gained and to promote beekeeping within their communities.
Recommendations: Based on the success of the training session, it is recommended to organize similar capacity-building programs in other regions where beekeeping can contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Continued support and resources should be provided to empower local communities to engage in beekeeping as a means of improving livelihoods and promoting biodiversity.
Acknowledgment: We extend our gratitude to all participants, trainers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Bee Station Setup Training in Purulia. Special thanks to MD. Ariful Islam from Nature Mates, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in facilitating the training session.
