2021 Lukluk (VSA) - Magazine - Page 9
main outcome. They are working
on ensuring that the bees have
year-round food and are creating a
resource to help that. “Of course,
because the Tongan climate is
very distinct during summer,
spring, autumn, and winter the
availability of flowers for the bees
to scavenge on is variable,” says
Lopeti, “Which is why through the
life of the hives we have to check
from time to time to be sure that
the bees have enough food.”
Uili says getting the community
onboard is key to sustainability.
“We are looking for partnerships
with other local organisations
here in Tonga so the bees can
have enough food every season.”
In a short time, and against
the odds, during 2019-2021
the Tongan bee industry has
flourished. There is much to do
yet to ensure farmers’ crops
are sustainable. Support for this
critical step in agriculture goes a
long way towards food security
and growing export income for
the people in Tonga.
Find out more
www.ohaitonga.org
Kindly supported by
OHAI Beekeepers, Nuku’alofa
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