"Municipalities and transportation" and "Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety" They launch a protection initiative "Bees"

Abu Dhabi, October 29 / WAM / The Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority launched a project aimed at protecting bees, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting the bee breeding and honey production industry in the emirate. The pilot phase of the initiative is scheduled to launch in conjunction with the Sidr honey season.

The initiative grants a number of distinguished beekeepers the right to controlled production in government-owned forests, with the aim of promoting responsible practices, preserving pollinator numbers and their natural habitats, contributing to forest regeneration and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

15 distinguished beekeepers are participating in the initiative, selected from among the first five winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award over the past three years, to ensure the involvement of those with distinguished experience and achievements, while keeping a limited number of participants to allow for accurate follow-up and more effective management.

Under strict controls to protect ecosystems, each beekeeper is committed to a number not exceeding 100 hives, which ensures a balance between bee density and available nectar sources and prevents overcrowding. Participants must also adhere to strict guidelines that include maintaining the specified number of hives, carefully documenting records, and submitting samples of the honey produced.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority follows up the work progress of the initiative through a weekly inspection program for production sites, direct supervision of the honey sorting process, and collecting and analyzing samples to ensure their compliance with the specifications and regulations in force in the UAE, related to the levels of pesticide and antibiotic residues, and other safety standards and honey quality.

His Excellency Muhammad Ali Al-Sharafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said that providing the best nectar-rich areas for the most experienced beekeepers reflects the department’s firm commitment to preserving the environment and enhancing the quality of Emirati honey, stressing that this organized approach contributes effectively to raising the level of local food production, preserving ecosystems, and supporting the economy. Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority also embodies a clear translation of the shared commitment towards environmental sustainability, food security, and economic diversification.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, explained that the initiative comes within an integrated program that includes a group of initiatives aimed at developing the beekeeping and honey production sector in the emirate, in line with the strategic directions of the Abu Dhabi government, explaining that the program was developed in coordination with the Department of Municipalities and other government agencies, to enhance the competitiveness of local honey as a high-quality product, and achieve the sustainability and growth of the sector, while ensuring that the interests of beekeepers, consumers and the environment are served alike.

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