Supporting the establishment of a bee sanctuary

Slideshow or image 
Start Date 
17/06/2019

Supporting the establishment of a bee sanctuary


Globally, honey bees are under threat from the increasing prevalence of diseases and parasites, as well as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Niue hosts the last known significant and sufficiently isolated stock of Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) that are free of all major bee diseases and parasites. Consequently, the bees of Niue have emerged as an increasingly important genetic asset and Niue has emerged as an ideal site for a “Bee Sanctuary". 

The PPG conducted a study to assess the SPS requirements and feasibility of establishing a "Pacific Bee Sanctuary" in Niue. The study explored the practicality and certification requirements to safely export live bees from Niue to other Pacific countries, through the establishment of a bee sanctuary. Building on Niue's unique position and its demographic and geographic advantages, the sanctuary has the potential to support apiculture productivity at national and regional levels, supply healthy bee stock to other Pacific countries and generate income for Niuean livelihoods. 

Watch an Al- Jazeera documentary on honey production in Niue here.

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Reference Number 
STDF/PPG/616
Status 
Completed
Project Value (US$) 
35,692
STDF Contribution (US$)  
35,692
Beneficiaries 
Niue
Implementing Entities 
AsureQuality
New Zealand