Latest news with #WorldBeeDay
Observer
7 days ago
- Science
- Observer
The Tradition of Beekeeping in Oman
Across Oman's rugged landscapes, a skilled yet vital tradition continues to thrive — one that hums gently through oases, mountain terraces, and acacia-dotted wadis: beekeeping. As the worldmarked World Bee Day earlier this year, Oman's story was one of heritage and the close relationship between people and nature. Long before honey filled shelves in shops, Omanis tended to bees using practices handed down through generations. Two native species — the small but hardy Apis florea, known locally as Abu Tuwaiq (Father of the Little Collar), and the larger Apis mellifera jemenitica — have been part of Oman's ecosystem and livelihoods for centuries. While the Little Bee is known for foraging in high temperatures and building its single wax comb in trees — and absconding when disturbed — the Big Bee prefers the security of a hive and forages for nectar and pollen in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons. The Big Bee is naturally found in Dhofar and, since the 1600s, has been kept in log hives within the shelter of deep wadis (Sahtan; Bani 'Awf; Bani Kharus) that drain the northern mountains near Rustaq. They were probably introduced, from Yemen, by Imam Saif bin Sultan. Behind these bees are the people who have quietly nurtured them — Omani beekeepers whose skills have produced not only honey but also preserved a profound relationship between land and life. One of the earliest foreign researchers to recognise this was Robert Whitcombe, a young British ecologist who arrived in Oman in 1977. Initially part of a rural development project involving Durham University in the UK, Petroleum Development Oman, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Robert became captivated by the bees — and the people who kept them. C:fakepathIMG_4018 'Oman was little-known back then,' he recalls, 'but I was made welcome and worked closely with farmers. They shared their intimate knowledge of bees and the Omani flora — the source of several delicious honeys despite a harsh climate.' Robert and his colleagues introduced modern hives in the 1970s and 80s, but while his connection to Omani beekeeping persisted, his ecological research expanded into environmental and national planning roles. 'Omani beekeepers are guardians of nature,' he states. 'I've witnessed the close relationship between people and the landscape that sustains them. While Oman has made enormous strides in urban development, the importance of planning that cherishes rural areas should not be overlooked. These areas conserve vital elements of Oman's cultural and natural heritage and offer opportunities for sustainable livelihoods linked to tourism.' One such guardian was the late Nasr Ahmed Al Ghaythi, a dedicated beekeeper from Zahib near Al Mudhaybi, who managed over 30 colonies of Little Bees — probably more than anyone else in the world. His eldest son, Ahmad, reflects: 'My father didn't just keep bees. He trekked into the mountains to find wild colonies, carefully relocated them to our farm, and nurtured them like children. Beekeeping wasn't just a craft for him; honey was not merely food but how he supported our family.' Today, tradition and innovation live on in Misfat Al Abriyeen, where beekeeper Ahmed Mohammed Saif Al Abri has turned a hobby into a thriving business. Starting with just four hives in 1997, Ahmed now tends over 200, exports honey, and offers guided tours. 'We explain our methods to visitors and let them taste Sidr and Samr honey. It's become a way to support the village and share our culture,' he says. These efforts are part of a broader movement to promote eco-tourism and rural livelihoods, supported by local community figures like Abdulrahman Al Abri, founder of Canyon Adventures and Tours. His work connects communities to responsible mountain tourism and environmental education in Al Hamra, Misfah, and further afield in Wukan and Suwgrah. In May, the British Omani Society celebrated the publication of Honeybees in Oman, a book that tells the story of the Little and Big Bees and their guardians. Through a charitable initiative, the Society showcased illustrations by artist Jenny Ryrie. Proceeds from the sale of the original artwork will support conservation efforts led by the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO). Paintings are still available for those wishing to support this cause. As Oman modernises, conservationists emphasise that rural heritage must not be left behind. 'Honeybees are a barometer of environmental health,' says Robert. 'When we protect them, we protect much more — landscape, biodiversity, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods.' In a world under increasing environmental pressure, Oman's bees — and their quiet guardians — offer more than just honey. They remind us that some of the most vital treasures are also the smallest, humming softly amidst wildflowers and palms.
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Watch: David Beckham Farms Carrots, The Result Has Wife Victoria In Stitches
David Beckham's passion for gardening has become one of the most endearing sides of his life beyond football. At his Cotswolds estate, he has created a thriving kitchen garden with everything from plum trees and kale to carrots and radishes. What began as a hobby has turned into a full-blown passion, complete with greenhouses, chicken wire, and even beekeeping. Recently, during a routine check of his vegetable patch, the Manchester United legend stumbled upon a surprise that left both him and his wife in stitches. In a video shared on Instagram, the football icon is seen carefully selecting a carrot to harvest. As he pulls it from the earth, it reveals not one, but two roots, an oddity that sparked laughter behind the camera from Victoria Beckham. "Oh my god, he is like a magic man," she exclaims, before calling the crop "so disappointing" and eventually "embarrassing" as the hilarity continues. David, amused by the unusual find, inspects the carrot and jokingly asks, "What happened there?" In his caption, he adds to the fun: "Exciting day today in my veggie garden, CARROTS, but not exactly what I expected. But to be fair, it had Lady Beckham laughing. @victoriabeckham sorry about my carrot." Watch the full video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) David Beckham's free time is buzzing with activities. In addition to tending to his garden, the former football star loves spending time nurturing his beehives. Last month, David shared a video on Instagram that featured him suited up in full protective beekeeping gear. He was seen gently removing a honey-filled patch of a beehive and packing it into a plastic container. In the caption, he wrote, "Making the world a sweeter place. Today, we celebrate our Bees. World Bee Day." Whether it is carrots or bees, David Beckham's farm life has us hooked. We are excited to find out what's next.
Vancouver Sun
01-06-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
About 250 million honeybees loose near U.S.-Canada border after truck overturns
There was a buzz in the air Friday in northwestern Washington state as about 250 million honeybees escaped a commercial truck that overturned. The truck hauling an estimated 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of honeybee hives rolled over around 4 a.m. close to the Canadian border near Lynden, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said in social media posts. It appears the driver did not navigate a tight turn well enough, causing the trailer to roll into a ditch, county emergency management spokesperson Amy Cloud said in an email. The driver was uninjured, Cloud said. Deputies, county public works employees and several bee experts responded to the scene. The box hives later came off the truck, and local beekeepers swarmed to help recover, restore and reset the hives, according to the sheriff's office. 250 million bees escape after truck overturns in Washington State yesterday on May 30, 2025. The plan is to allow the bees to return to their hives and find their queen bee in the next day or two, according to the sheriff's office. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible,' the sheriff's office post said. The public was advised to avoid the area on Friday, and sheriff's deputies dove into in their squad cars at times to avoid being stung. Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, pollinating over 100 crops including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years, and experts blame insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. In 2018, the U.N. General Assembly sponsored the first 'World Bee Day' on May 20 to bring attention to the bees' plight. Beekeepers often transport millions of bees from one location to another because leaving them in one location for too long can deplete resources for other pollinators, The Seattle Times reported. Alan Woods, president of the Washington State Beekeepers Association, told the newspaper the state should have a standardized 'emergency bee response' for bee vehicle crashes. In 2015, 14 million bees escaped a truck north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and started stinging people, the newspaper reported at the time. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
India Today
01-06-2025
- General
- India Today
Video: Buzz on Washington streets as 250 million bees escape after truck crashes
There was a buzz in the air Friday in northwestern Washington state as about 250 million honeybees escaped a commercial truck that truck hauling an estimated 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of honeybee hives rolled over around 4 a.m. close to the Canadian border near Lynden, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said in social media appears the driver did not navigate a tight turn well enough, causing the trailer to roll into a ditch, county emergency management spokesperson Amy Cloud said in an email. The driver was uninjured, Cloud said. advertisement Deputies, county public works employees and several bee experts responded to the scene. The box hives later came off the truck, and local beekeepers swarmed to help recover, restore and reset the hives, according to the sheriff's plan is to allow the bees to return to their hives and find their queen bee in the next day or two, according to the sheriff's office. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible.'Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible,' the sheriff's office post public was advised to avoid the area on Friday, and sheriff's deputies dove into in their squad cars at times to avoid being are crucial to the food supply, pollinating over 100 crops including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years, and experts blame insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food 2018, the UN General Assembly sponsored the first 'World Bee Day' on May 20 to bring attention to the bees' often transport millions of bees from one location to another because leaving them in one location for too long can deplete resources for other pollinators, The Seattle Times Woods, president of the Washington State Beekeepers Association, told the newspaper the state should have a standardised 'emergency bee response' for bee vehicle crashes. In 2015, 14 million bees escaped a truck north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and started stinging people, the newspaper reported at the time. IN THIS STORY#United States of America
Yomiuri Shimbun
01-06-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Millions of Honeybees Abuzz after Truck Overturns in Washington State
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office via AP This image taken from video provided by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office shows a truck hauling an estimated 70,000 pounds of honeybee hives overturn on Friday, May 30, 2025 near Lynden, Wash. BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — There was a buzz in the air Friday in northwestern Washington state as about 250 million honeybees escaped a commercial truck that overturned. The truck hauling an estimated 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of honeybee hives rolled over around 4 a.m. close to the Canadian border near Lynden, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said in social media posts. It appears the driver did not navigate a tight turn well enough, causing the trailer to roll into a ditch, county emergency management spokesperson Amy Cloud said in an email. The driver was uninjured, Cloud said. Deputies, county public works employees and several bee experts responded to the scene. The box hives later came off the truck, and local beekeepers swarmed to help recover, restore and reset the hives, according to the sheriff's office. The plan is to allow the bees to return to their hives and find their queen bee in the next day or two, according to the sheriff's office. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible. 'Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible,' the sheriff's office post said. The public was advised to avoid the area on Friday, and sheriff's deputies dove into in their squad cars at times to avoid being stung. Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, pollinating over 100 crops including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years, and experts blame insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. In 2018, the U.N. General Assembly sponsored the first 'World Bee Day' on May 20 to bring attention to the bees' plight. Beekeepers often transport millions of bees from one location to another because leaving them in one location for too long can deplete resources for other pollinators, The Seattle Times reported. Alan Woods, president of the Washington State Beekeepers Association, told the newspaper the state should have a standardized 'emergency bee response' for bee vehicle crashes. In 2015, 14 million bees escaped a truck north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and started stinging people, the newspaper reported at the time.
