In the lush Western Ghats of southern India, a beekeeping initiative is transforming the lives of Indigenous women by providing safer livelihoods and financial independence through sustainable honey harvesting.
- Women trained to manage native Asian honey bees for better disease resistance
- Honey earnings provide many women with newfound financial independence
- Community connections strengthened as neighbors share knowledge and support
What happened
The Women for Bees initiative began in April 2025 in India’s Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot along the country's west coast. This project, led by UNESCO in partnership with the Keystone Foundation, supports 50 women from Indigenous communities such as the Irula, Kurumba, and Kattunayaka in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These women receive training and equipment to transition from risky wild honey hunting to managed beekeeping using hive boxes.
The project focuses on the native Asian honey bee (Apis cerana indica), chosen for its natural resistance to local diseases and parasites compared to the European honey bee. Many participants have already achieved reliable and improved honey harvests, enabling them to earn an income and gain greater control over their finances.
Why it feels good
Participants like Neelavathi, who manages beekeeping in her household, have experienced new financial independence through income from honey sales. The safer, more predictable nature of managed bee keeping offers a steady livelihood and reduces risks associated with traditional wild honey hunting, which is also restricted by forest protection laws.
Beyond economic benefits, the project has fostered stronger community bonds. According to Lakshmi Babu, a Kattunayaka woman involved in the project, the initiative has encouraged neighbors to connect, share knowledge, and support each other’s efforts. The positive experiences generated by the bees have brought joy and a sense of purpose to the women involved.
What to enjoy or watch next
The ecological impact of the Women for Bees project is promising yet still under assessment. Some participants have observed improved flowering and better yields in nearby fruit farms, likely due to enhanced pollination by the Asian honey bees. Earlier studies also suggest that these bees can boost crop yields such as bitter gourd, which may bring further agricultural benefits.
With a 100% retention rate among the women participants, UNESCO hopes to expand this model to other biosphere reserves across India and beyond. Future developments may include monitoring the project's broader ecological effects and exploring how Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices can continue to support nature and communities alike.