BEES: SENTINELS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Their voices and stories impeccably convey the passion behind their love of nature. We met the volunteers from the Val Rendena Beekeepers Association, and together, we discovered just how important it is to protect the local bee population.
Founded in 2021, the association has grown over the years, making a significant contribution to the local area and community. Thanks to their efforts, the number of bees in the area has increased tenfold, rising from 7 million to 70 million in the summer. These figures demonstrate that we can increase the number of beekeeping stocks by reversing negative trends.
Healthy nature: This is evidenced by local pollen monitoring, which indicates that the area is unspoilt. Unfortunately, it is difficult to buy genuine, nutritious honey in shops today. The product is often imported and has lost all its natural properties due to being used as a sweetener.
As well as protecting bees, beekeepers also value the products they produce. Elvio Masè, the president of the association, amazes us with the following statement: ‘It is important that both bees and beekeepers do not become extinct. Beekeepers are penalised by ever-increasing costs and unfair competition from honey sellers.’ They are essential for bees because climate change and the international trade in bees has made them weaker and more susceptible to danger and death. Beekeepers protect and feed them, even during famines.
What’s more, Val Rendena has established a queen bee mating station in Val Genova, one of just a few in Italy. This guarantees that only bees adapted to the local environment are bred, stopping those from abroad from being introduced. In addition, in collaboration with the University of Berlin, a project is underway to certify the genetic quality of bees.
The association’s work does not end there. Significant efforts are also being made to promote education and awareness in collaboration with schools, local and tourist organisations. A project to create an integrated apiary has also been approved. Represented by its president, Michael Cantonati, ApiLab plans to enhance the historic Maso di Strembo farmstead. Sensory trails and botanical workshops will be held there, along with numerous activities related to discovering the beehive.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti supports the Val Rendena Beekeepers Association by purchasing local honey produced by protected bees, which is made available to guests at breakfast. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the invaluable work of the volunteers who make all this possible.
