Restoring Bee Populations with Community and Natural Farming Article A seminar and workshop entitled “Restoring the Lives of the Bees… with Community and Natural Agricultural Ways” was held on 24 September 2022 at the Growing Diversity Park (BIOTHAI), Nonthaburi. By Panus Danpitakkul
Sin Hengsamai, An Apis florea Honey Harvester and Organic Farmer Interview Mr. Sin Hengsamai and his wife, Mrs. Kuchanat Khemlai are organic farmers, members of the Sanam Chaikhet Organic Farming Group. However Sin prefers to work on the farm and stay at home, so Mrs. Kuchanat is the visible member of the group, whether at the weekly organic farmers market in the Sanam Chaikhet Hospital or at group meetings and events. By Michael B. Commons
A Passion for Pollinators in Thailand Article I have been on a journey of about two years so far to learn more about pollinators, native bees, and how we can help restore the health of their populations. On one hand this has become a personal journey. Now every day I observe flowers in bloom that I find in my garden or wherever I am to see if there are any pollinators, and if so, what species I find, and if there are few or many. By Michael B. Commons
Pollinator-Friendly Yards: How You Can Help Protect Pollinators Article Most plants rely on animal pollinators for reproduction, especially in the tropics where an estimated 94% of flowering plant species require pollinators. However, pollinator populations have been declining worldwide, and two of the main factors driving pollinator declines include habitat loss and pesticide use. The good news is that anyone and everyone can help these important animals simply by making their yard landscaping more pollinator-friendly. By Alyssa B. Stewart
Native Honey Bees of Southeast Asia and Conservation Challenges Article The disappearance of the honey bee is widely publicized, especially in Europe and North America, with colony collapse disorder observed in apiaries of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Much less interest, however, has been paid to Southeast Asian native honey bees whose fate also deserves attention. This article explores the conservation challenges of the eight native honey bee species of Southeast Asia. By Eric Guerin
Pollinators in Peril, Our Food System in Crisis, and the Potential for Restoration Article A number of climate change studies even predicted increasing insect populations and pest problems. While I think this loss has been overlooked as most people don't care much about insects and see them more as a nuisance than a benefit, their decline correlates with a decline in many other species. The loss of any species should draw our concern, when it comes to our own livelihood and the food on our tables, the insects that are so critical are those that pollinate our crops. By Michael B. Commons
