Bee conservation crucial to food security

A prevalent misconception suggests that human flourishing and environmental protection are incompatible, requiring sacrifices from modern benefits to save the planet.

However, innovative business practices offer a promising alternative, integrating environmental solutions into economic growth.

World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20, highlighted the significant role of bees in our ecosystems and agriculture.

Bees are crucial pollinators for 50 SA crops, with their absence potentially causing a R10.3b economic loss and jeopardising food security.

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Unfortunately, bee populations are threatened by climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, and invasive species.

Addressing this, Nedbank, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nedbank Green Trust, advocating for bees to protect vital crops.

The need for innovative solutions resulted in the launch of the Vus’mzi Project with Local Village Africa, a social enterprise focused on natural food products.

This project aims to uplift rural communities and integrate them into sustainable agricultural practices.

The Vus’mzi Project established eight rural beekeeping enterprises, each involving 15 locals.

These new beekeepers received starter kits, training in apiculture, business skills, and financial literacy.

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The project’s goal is to incorporate their honey into Local Village Africa’s supply chain, providing steady market access and income.

SA imports honey, indicating a market opportunity for local production.

Additionally, the project empowers people with disabilities, with 21 participants trained to construct beehives for the enterprises.

To date, 135 jobs have been created, significantly impacting rural communities where employment supports multiple dependents.

Plans are in the pipeline to expand this programme nationwide, illustrating the potential of sustainable business models to drive economic and environmental benefits.

ALSO READ: Thank you for the bees

On World Bee Day, Nedbank and WWF-SA launched The Honey Bee Takes Flight, a photo book celebrating bees and emphasising the importance of their conservation.

The Vus’mzi Project exemplifies how aligning human enterprise with ecological goals can create sustainable change.

By expanding such approaches, we can drive job creation and economic activity while preserving the environment crucial to our survival.