Oceania is a treasure trove of biodiversity. The European honeybee, introduced by early settlers, has flourished to allow a robust beekeeping industry, producing unique and distinctive products like manuka honey and organic honey from isolated island ecosystems.
Beekeepers in the region are actively adjusting to the growing challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent droughts, bushfires, cyclones, and floods. An additional hurdle has been the recent spread of varroa mites to previously untouched areas like Australia and Fiji, creating significant challenges for beekeepers.
Highly skilled beekeepers from Australia and New Zealand build global connections with international scientists through networks fostered by Apimondia activities. For developing beekeeping nations like Fiji and other small states, Apimondia offers a platform to learn from countries with similar development paths and from those with more established beekeeping industries.
Beekeepers in the Oceania region have also influenced national policies using Apimondia’s scientifically oriented position papers on honey authenticity, pesticides, and other topics.
The distance and cost of attending Apimondia congresses is prohibitive to many beekeepers in the Oceania region. To mitigate this, Apimondia’s Executive Committee has committed in 2024 to make congress oral and poster presentations accessible on Apimondia’s website.
In addition to expanding the reach of Apimondia to more Oceania beekeepers, the Oceania commission is also working to connect beekeeping associations to regional and global partner organizations. Leveraging our beekeepers’ technical knowledge and skills has proven to be a cost-effective resource for development organizations
