Wallonia Strengthens Efforts Against Invasive Asian Hornets to Protect Ecosystems and Beekeepers

Wallonia Strengthens Efforts Against Invasive Asian Hornets to Protect Ecosystems and Beekeepers

In a bid to curb the spread of the invasive Asian hornet species and safeguard ecosystems and beekeeping activities, Wallonia is set to escalate its efforts in 2024, as announced by Regional Minister of Agriculture Willy Borsus on Tuesday.

The region's management plan, which was initiated in 2023 with an allocated funding of €267,000, focuses on trapping queen hornets during the spring, safeguarding beehives, and eliminating nests throughout the region.

"Despite encountering technical challenges in acquiring the necessary equipment last year, we successfully neutralized approximately 200 nests within a month," clarified Borsus, highlighting the effectiveness of the previous year's efforts.

The management strategy also facilitated the distribution of protective equipment, including poles and suits, to 18 beekeeping sectors in Wallonia and Brussels, courtesy of the Union of Beekeeping Federations of Wallonia and Brussels (UFAWB).

Furthermore, in 2023, the Walloon Centre for Agronomic Research (CRA-W) distributed 4,000 kits designed for trapping queen hornets during the spring season.

"The preservation of our beekeeping sector holds immense significance for the pollination of numerous crops and the promotion of biodiversity in Wallonia," stressed Willy Borsus. He emphasized, "Neutralizing the threat posed by Asian hornets is imperative for the continued prosperity of our beekeeping industry. Our commitment to these efforts remains unwavering."

As Wallonia gears up to intensify its battle against Asian hornets, the region underscores the critical importance of proactive measures to safeguard both its natural ecosystems and the livelihoods of beekeepers.

 

• Wallonia plans to intensify efforts in 2024 to combat the invasive Asian hornet species, which threatens ecosystems and beekeepers.
• Regional Minister of Agriculture Willy Borsus announced the plan, building upon the management strategy implemented in 2023 with a funding of €267,000.
• The strategy includes trapping queen hornets in the spring, protecting beehives, and neutralizing nests across the region.
• Despite technical delays, approximately 200 nests were neutralized last year.
• Protective equipment, including poles and suits, was distributed to 18 beekeeping sectors through the Union of Beekeeping Federations of Wallonia and Brussels (UFAWB).
• In 2023, 4,000 kits for trapping queen hornets were distributed by the Walloon Centre for Agronomic Research (CRA-W).
• Preserving the beekeeping sector is crucial for pollination and biodiversity in Wallonia, emphasized Willy Borsus, who stressed the necessity of neutralizing Asian hornets.