December 19, 2022
By Justin Raj & Nitya M (Biodiversity Conservation team)
In June 2022, Keystone’s Biodiversity team organized a five-day beginner’s training programme for 35 people on traditional beekeeping methods in several of our working areas: Sigur, Aracode, Pillur, Arepalayam, Kotagiri and Wayanad. From the first four areas, participants were Irula and Soliga tribal community members looking to revive traditional, forest-friendly sources of income that were nearly lost to urbanisation, and to rekindle their connection with the forest. The trainees were paid a stipend of INR 1,000 for the five-day training.
Training modules covered the different types of bees, exploration of sustainable beekeeping methods based on nesting patterns, and an overview of traditional tools used. For example, while Apis dorsata bees prefer open nests, Florea bees prefer bushes.
Since June, our team has been meeting with the trainees on a monthly basis to revisit learnings, build skills and discuss challenges. They were also encouraged to choose five interested members of their communities to pass on their learnings to.
This month, we selected three participants to graduate to the advanced training programme held on December 19. Nitya, an Irula community member who is part of our Biodiversity programme, along with Justin, led the training in Sittugunni village. Our team looks forward to receiving updates from the participants on their efforts to share their learnings with peers.
