With the support of UN Environment-Haiti, the Artisanal Fisheries and Integrated Development Organization (PADI) is developing the beekeeping sector in the South, more specifically in the immediate environment of the mangrove ecosystem of St Jean Sud / Abacou. In fact, given the precarious socio-economic situation of the residents of the area, who slaughter the mangroves in their mangroves to build their houses and make charcoal for subsistence, the PADI initiative contributes to reduce the cutting of mangroves, protect environment while providing residents with an alternative income-generating activity.

PADI technicians organized training sessions for new beekeepers while placing an apiary of propagation and offering them the opportunity to have other hives. According to Romere Laurent, agent dealing with apiaries, these changes are very beneficial for the area. "Not only does the development of beekeeping provide another source of income, but it also offers the opportunity to understand the importance of mangroves for this sector."

Renaud Joseph, apiculture expert and PADI consultant, explained that "mangroves produce nectar and pollen [...] Honey from mangroves is in great demand by consumers for its light color and sweet taste. This plant blooms in abundance during dry seasons. Moreover, he emphasizes that to teach cabinetmakers in the workshop of St Jean du Sud / Abacou to build different types of hives has helped strengthen their professional capacity "We have also implemented breeding apiaries for the propagation of bees across the area, which are beginning to feed bee producers for the development of beekeeping.

Remember that to stop the damage that mangroves suffer and to offer an alternative activity to those who act negatively on the ecosystem, the PADI Organization, accompanied by the UN Environment-Haiti, launched last April awareness sessions for the charcoal producers and fishermen and other inhabitants of the area, on the importance of mangroves in the environment of a geographical area, that of beekeeping, the modern apicultural techniques, the establishment of apiaries, their exploitation, management and marketing of honey.

Renaud Joseph said that his team, together with UN Environment Haiti, has already worked on a methodological guide to duplicate this experience across the other mangrove ecosystems of the South Department, highlighting that Aquin is a key area for the beekeeping industry in the South Department. With the support of UN Environment / Haiti and the Ministry of the Environment, a range of activities aimed at developing this sector have already been carried out.

In January 2018, the PADI Organization will duplicate the experience of St Jean du Sud / Abacou in the mangrove ecosystem of Cahouane, communal section of Tiburon.

HL/ HaitiLibre