Mangrove forests are an elementary coastal ecosystem that fulfils important environmental functions: Protection from storm surges, less soil erosion, better water quality. Unfortunately, more and more of these sensitive habitats are being lost. In Zanzibar, too, large areas of mangrove forests are being cleared to produce charcoal. This is killing off one of the most important regional factors for resilience to climate change.
Biovision wants to combine beekeeping with the use of so-called multifunctional trees. These trees not only provide nectar for the bees, but can also be used as firewood and animal feed and at the same time contribute to improving soil quality. As a result, people no longer search for firewood in the mangroves and they are protected.
By linking beekeeping with sustainable forest utilisation, we want to raise awareness of the important functions of mangrove forests in coastal areas and thus curb the overexploitation and deforestation of these fragile ecosystems.
Project name:
International Insect Research Institute icipe (Kenya)
Project budget in CHF :
This project is supported by SDC
The project not only trains farmers in the production of honey. It also focuses on the organic cultivation of avocados and macadamia nuts.
In addition, the farmer groups also receive training in marketing their new sources of income. Thanks to the project, there is now more food for the bees, healthier soil with more firewood and food for the farming families. And the mangrove forests now also enjoy greater protection and appreciation.
In the new project phase, the focus lies on expanding and deepening the activities – both on Unguja and the previously neglected island of Pemba. The goal is to protect mangrove forests while improving the income of rural communities through sustainable beekeeping and reforestation with native, fast-growing nectar plants.
A total of 25 tree nurseries will be operated by local groups, producing more than 15,000 seedlings annually, including mangrove species and other multifunctional trees. 20 new beekeeping groups will be trained in sustainable apiculture and the processing of bee products. Women and youth will be actively included and supported.
Two cooperatives – one on Unguja and one on Pemba – will improve their members’ income opportunities through joint marketing, product refinement, certification, and sales. The aim is for these cooperatives to eventually become self-sustaining and contribute to the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
