On January 28th, as part of Work Package WP2, the BeeLieve project hosted a successful event at GRM Novo Mesto – Center of Biotechnology and Tourism. Experts and project partners gathered in Novo Mesto to promote and exchange best practices in beekeeping. The event featured a round table discussion and a field visit aimed at showcasing both national and international innovations in the beekeeping sector.
During the round table, Dr. Lucija Žvokelj, from the University of Ljubljana, presented methods for preventing and managing bee diseases, offering insights into the current state of bee health in Slovenia. The Development Agency of the Savinjsko-Šaleška Region (RA-SAŠA) gave an overview of Slovenian legislation regulating beekeeping and veterinary practices.
Partners from other countries introduced innovative pest control techniques and sustainable beekeeping practices, further supporting the BeeLieve project’s goal of fostering knowledge exchange among partner nations. After the presentations, participants embarked on a field visit to explore Slovenia’s rich beekeeping heritage.
Anton Urek, Vice President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, led the field visit, highlighting unique aspects of Slovenian beekeeping. A central focus was the AŽ hive (Alberti-Žnidaršič hive), a vertical, cabinet-style hive with movable frames. This type of hive is ideal for cold climates, providing protection from the elements. Participants praised the ease of management and inspection of these hives, as they eliminate the need to lift heavy components, making beekeeping more manageable.
Another fascinating aspect was the presentation of Slovenian naive art in beekeeping. The fronts of beehives, known as “panjske končnice,” are painted with motifs depicting religious themes, folklore, historical events, and everyday rural life.
The event also underscored Slovenia’s leadership in the initiative to establish World Bee Day. In December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 20th as World Bee Day in honor of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, who was born in Slovenia. This day raises awareness of the crucial role bees and other pollinators play worldwide.
Anton Urek elaborated on how Slovenia preserves its beekeeping traditions through education. Beekeeping is integrated into the curriculum of many primary schools, with approximately one-third of schools hosting beekeeping clubs. These clubs engage over 2,000 students annually, providing hands-on experience in hive management, honey production, and the ecological importance of bees.
The day concluded with a tasting of various types of honey and honey-based products, including “medica,” a traditional Slovenian honey wine. To wrap up the productive day of knowledge sharing and networking, GRM Novo Mesto hosted a delightful reception and social gathering.
Več informacij o projektu: https://cove-beelieve.eu
General Information
Project Title:
European Centres of Vocational Excellence in Apiculture
BeeLieve
ERASMUS-EDU-2023-PEX-COVE
(Partnership for Excellence – Centres of Vocational Excellence)
Project Duration: 48 months, from 1 March 2024 to 29 February 2028
Funding: Funded by the European Union.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
