The Buzz on Beekeeping: Advocacy, Challenges, and the Role of Women

The Buzz on Beekeeping: Advocacy, Challenges, and the Role of Women

In the world of beekeeping, Noelani Waters stands out not only for her extensive experience and dedication but also for her passionate advocacy for bees and nature. As the bee and nature advocacy lead at Comvita, Waters has dedicated her career to educating people about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem and the importance of sustainable honey production.

From her early days as an apiary inspector in Hawai’i to her significant contributions to queen breeding programs and bee biosecurity, Waters has witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of beekeeping. One of the most pressing issues she highlights is the threat posed by the varroa mite, a parasitic mite that has become a formidable challenge for beekeepers worldwide. This, coupled with the need for cleaner, more ethical honey production practices, underscores the complex landscape of modern beekeeping.

Yet, amidst these challenges, Waters finds inspiration in the beekeeping community. Beekeepers, she notes, are a passionate and hardworking group, deeply committed to their craft and the well-being of bees. Their dedication is a testament to the importance of bees, not just for honey production but for the broader health of our environment.

International Women’s Day 2024, with its theme of 'Inspire Inclusion,' offers a timely reminder of the need for greater diversity in the beekeeping industry. Waters advocates for more women in beekeeping, pointing out that women bring unique perspectives and skills to the field. Drawing a parallel between the matriarchal structure of beehives and the natural affinity women have with bees, Waters suggests that women's inclusion could lead to innovative approaches and solutions in beekeeping.

As we navigate the challenges facing bees and the beekeeping industry, Waters' advocacy and insights remind us of the importance of education, ethical practices, and inclusion. By embracing these principles, we can ensure the health and sustainability of bee populations and, by extension, our own food security and environmental well-being.

 Noelani Waters, the bee and nature advocacy lead at Comvita, shares her journey and passion for bees, describing her role in educating people about bees and honey as a privilege. Originating from Hawai’i, Waters began her career as an apiary inspector with the state’s Department of Agriculture, where she engaged in various activities including inspections, bee biosecurity, community education, and disease diagnosis. Her career path led her to queen breeding and eventually to New Zealand, where she contributed to Comvita’s Queen Bee Breeding Unit before taking on her current advocacy role.

Waters highlights the growing consumer awareness of 'clean' honey and the importance of ethical and transparent production practices. She also addresses the challenges faced by the beekeeping industry, particularly the threat posed by the varroa mite, a parasitic mite that has significantly impacted global honeybee populations. Despite these challenges, Waters finds inspiration in the passion and dedication of beekeepers, emphasizing their crucial role in the industry.

In line with the theme of International Women’s Day 2024, 'Inspire Inclusion,' Waters advocates for greater inclusion of women in the beekeeping industry. She points out that women, who bring unique perspectives and skills, particularly excel in areas like queen rearing, research, and inspection services. Waters draws a parallel between the matriarchal structure of beehives and the natural affinity women have with bees, underscoring the importance of female participation in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Noelani Waters' role and background in beekeeping?

   • Noelani Waters is the bee and nature advocacy lead at Comvita, with a background as an apiary inspector and queen breeder. She has worked extensively in bee biosecurity, community education, and honeybee research.

2. What are some of the challenges facing the beekeeping industry?

   • The beekeeping industry faces challenges such as the threat from the varroa mite, which affects honeybee populations worldwide, and the need for ethical and transparent honey production practices.

3. How does Noelani Waters view the inclusion of women in beekeeping?

   • Waters advocates for greater inclusion of women in the beekeeping industry, highlighting their excellence in queen rearing, research, and inspection services. She believes women bring important perspectives and skills to the industry, reflecting the matriarchal nature of beehives.

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