MADHU DUNIYA 2019 IN PHILIPPINES – CONSERVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION: ASIAN BEES UNIQUE BUT THREATENED

MADHU DUNIYA 2019 IN PHILIPPINES – CONSERVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION: ASIAN BEES UNIQUE BUT THREATENED

Madhu Duniya is the largest gathering of Asian forest honey producers, scientists, supporters and private sector players in the world, coming together to discuss growing trends, challenges and opportunities in the forest honey and native bee sector. It is held once every four years in Asia, and the Philippines has hosted the 2019 edition of the event in October.

The event takes its name from the Sanskrit word “Madhu” (Honey) and the Arabic word “Duniya” (World).

As a regional platform, Madhu Duniya aims to promote forest honey as a crucial product for rural incomes, a key towards forest conservation, and as a vital component to human health around the world and especially in Asia.

Previous iterations of Madhu Duniya held in India (2007), Indonesia (2011), and Cambodia (2015) have been quite successful. It has resulted in the successful formation of forest honey networks in at least five countries, the forging of government partnerships, inspired on-going research on honey for its health and medicinal benefits, and provided links for private sector partners and producers.

The Philippine archipelago is home to various endemic and indigenous species of honey bees. In many parts of the country, indigenous and local communities hunt and gather wild honey for food, medicine and income.

This year, the Philippines was hosting the 4th Madhu Duniya conference and exhibition in the municipality of Tanay in Rizal province, west of Manila. Hundreds of participants from various sectors converged on October 21 and 22, 2019  to take part in this much awaited Asian forest honey knowledge exchange. Conference activities include research forums, policy dialogues, product and technology exchange, innovation sessions, and networking. The conference will also feature a whole day field visit on October 23 to Infanta in Quezon province, west of Rizal.

Researchers, academics, students and other interested groups are invited to attend the scientific panel on October 24 at the BSA Twin Towers Ortigas in Pasig City, Metro Manila to listen to and discuss with the foremost experts on Asian forest honey and bees. There has been a presentation of technical posters from invited academics to round out the discussions.