アジア養蜂研究協会ホームページ|
Conclusions &
recommendations |
|
.i.
The conference recognizes that Asia is extremely rich in its diversity of
honeybee fauna. However, due to constraints such as lack of basic
infrastructure, skilled human resources, research, training & extension
facilities, beekeeping in Asia still requires considerable support to tap its
full potential. AAA therefore resolves that for revitalization of beekeeping in
Asia coordinated & systematic efforts are made to establish a training &
research centre for Asian bees & beekeeping in the region. Such a centre
should have internationally funded
programmes in beekeeping training & research, especially
through links with development organisations such as
FAO of the United Nations & Japanese International Cooperative Agency (JICA). ii. The conference recognizes the importance & need for conservation, protection & utilization of pollinators in the agro-ecosystem. AAA should take steps with the International Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) to initiate an appropriate program for pollination in Asia. iii. Apitherapy is a fast emerging science. AAA should make regulatory authorities & the medical community aware of the scientific literature supporting the efficacy of bee products & make apitherapy an integral part of alternative medicine.iv. Apis dorsata nesting sites need to be protected in natural habitat. Nesting sites such as Ficus spp. with hundreds of Apis dorsata colonies need to be designated as National Heritage Natural Sites. We also urge Century Foundation, Bangalore to initiate steps for their conservation & awareness. v. Enterprise approaches for conservation & augmentation of native bee species (both wild & domesticated) should be initiated through private entrepreneurs & NGOs.vi. Asia is rich in traditional & intermediate (appropriate) technology for beekeeping. Efforts need to be made to collect, document & validate these practices before this valuable information is lost. vii. Tropilaelaps clarae, Varroa jacobsonii, Thai Sac Brood Virus disease & European Foul Brood pose serious threats to bees in Asia. AAA therefore resolves that a well-trained cadre of bee pathologists are created in each member country & a special workshop on bee pathology be held at the next AAA conference in the Philippines. |
viii.
Beekeeping is a very knowledge & skill intensive scientific activity,
which needs special care, management & manipulation. AAA therefore resolves that
a cadre of well-trained, skilled beekeeping extension agents be created.
Experienced beekeepers (rather than theoretical bee scientists) may be the best
human resource to develop as extension agents. ix. A major problem while planning strategies for beekeeping development in Asia is a lack of accurate scientific databases with information on bees & beekeeping in the region. Organizations involved in beekeeping research & development program give different & contradictory figures on beekeeping statistics. AAA recommends that beekeeping activities be included in the national census in each member country. AAA should also form a database for member countries to provide beekeeping information for access by all. x. Widespread introduction of Apis mellifera throughout Asia is causing dramatic loss of indigenous honeybee genetic resources. AAA should appeal to the governments of different Asian member countries to establish pro-poor, pro-environment & pro-gender policies for beekeeping, especially with respect to zonation of areas for Apis mellifera propagation & areas for Apis cerana conservation.xi. The Asian region harbors a rich biodiversity of honeybee species, which have genetic resources that could prove crucial to apicultural development in the future. AAA resolves that measures be adopted to maintain biodiversity through habitat conservation & restoration, regulation of the introduction of exotic species (Apis mellifera) & control of pesticide usage. For conservation of Apis dorsata & Apis laboriosa, legislation regulating honey hunting coupled with participatory resource management introducing sustainable cropping from wild colonies needs to be undertaken. xii. Asian bee products are failing to match international quality standards. AAA resolves that proper honey harvesting & processing techniques be taught to beekeepers & regulations upon use of chemical pollutants to honey (e.g. sulphur, acaricides, antibiotics & so on) are introduced. |
|||