Samoa Declining Bee Population!

As of today, Samoa still has a few active apiaries producing commercial honey. According to 2012 statistics, there are 21 beekeepers with 403 hives on 47 apiaries. In January 2020, when bees were scarce in Savaii, Apia, one was spotted at Lata Plantation.

Researchers Magbalot- Fernandez and Pratt conducted an Agritourism research survey. A study was conducted by researchers at The University of the South Pacific, where beekeeping was taught for the first time in Alafua, Samoa (Figure 1). Beekeepers were supported by Women in Business Development Inc. As well as the Beekeepers' Association of Samoa Inc. (BASI). To regain the country's bee population, the Samoa Women's Association of Growers (SWAG) intends to build apiaries on their land and in national parks. A total of 60 beekeeping "starter kits" are being prepared from New Zealand, including beekeeping suits. Pollination of plants and maintaining a high supply of fruits and vegetables are SWAG's primary objectives. This gives us hope of returning back to the days 20 or 30 years ago when honey bees were everywhere. Over the past few years, the demand for honey has increased dramatically in the South Pacific Islands. Since European settlers introduced beekeeping to Samoa in the 1970s, it has developed into a potentially viable commercial enterprise. The supply and demand for honey bees have always been difficult to maintain for beekeepers. The study authored by Alminda Magbalot-Fernandez and Saikat Basu, Nov 2020 at USP Samoa, indicates that the first beekeeping company in Samoa collapsed in 1989 and beehives were destroyed by cyclones in 1990, resulting in the collapse of Samoa Bee & Honey Co. Ltd (S.A.B.H.O.). From 39 beekeepers, 465 hives and 70 apiaries recorded during the last survey conducted in 2009, the number of beekeepers and hives has decreased. As early as 1997, the Beekeepers' Association of Samoa Incorporated was founded by longtime commercial beekeepers in Samoa, such as Leicester Dean and Raymond Voigt. This was to revive the honey industry. Despite this, honey was scarce and a decrease in bee numbers in 2018-2020. This highlights the urgent need for measures to protect and promote bee populations, which are crucial for our ecosystem's sustainability. References Fernandez, Alminda & Basu, Saikat. (2020). DECLINING HONEY BEES IN SAMOA. 23. 8. Honey bees in Samoa are threatened with a great possibility to become extinct in the near future if not addressed seriously. The bees have the principal role in the pollination of many agricultural crops and forest trees thereby increasing seeds, fruits, vegetables and food production. Honey is a nutritious and healthy alternative sweetener with countless benefits that include antioxidant and medicinal properties. Beeswax is also a major component of many industries, pharmaceutical medicines and domestic usages. RNZ. (2020, December 1). Samoa's bee population in decline, warns growers' group. The Diversity Agenda. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.diversityagenda.org/2020/12/01/the-power-of-the-pasifika-lens/