North Macedonia's Beekeepers Battle Climate Change: A Growing Challenge

In the picturesque village of Stence, North Macedonia, Magda Miloseska suits up in her protective gear every day to tend to her honeybees. Having spent over two decades producing honey, she now faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change and diseases. The village, nestled at 650 meters above sea level, experiences temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in June, three degrees higher than usual.

"Beekeeping was once a pleasure," says Miloseska, 63. "Now, it's a constant battle against climate conditions and new diseases."

Once considered a relaxing hobby, beekeeping has surged in popularity, with 6,900 beekeepers managing 306,000 beehives across the country in 2023. However, a European Commission study revealed that 10% of Europe's bees and butterflies face extinction, mainly due to human activities.

Honey production has plummeted. Miloseska recalls when beekeepers could harvest 30-50 kilograms of honey per hive. Today, even in ideal conditions, yields rarely exceed 30 kilograms, with most averaging between 10 and 20 kilos. This scarcity has driven honey prices up to 20 euros per kilogram.

Veteran beekeeper Vladimir Petroski, who cares for 120 hives, confirms this trend. "We used to expect 30-40 kilograms per hive. Now, we're content with 15."

Climate change has not only reduced yields but also fueled the rise of parasites and viruses. Beekeepers are adapting by educating themselves and adjusting their practices to local micro-climates. Regional beekeepers' associations play a crucial role in promoting good practices and organizing honey festivals.

Despite these efforts, environmental groups urge government ministries to coordinate their actions. The Macedonian Ecological Society emphasizes the need for comprehensive data sharing among state institutions to effectively address the issue.

A recent UNEP report highlights the critical role bees play in global food production and biodiversity. Of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of the world's food, 71 are pollinated by bees.

As climate change continues to impact the environment, the resilience and adaptability of North Macedonia's beekeepers will be crucial in safeguarding this vital industry.

North Macedonia's Beekeepers Face Climate Change Challenge

Every day, Magda Miloseska wears her protective suit and tends to her honeybees in North Macedonia. She has been in this picturesque hobby for over 20 years, but now faces increased difficulty due to climate change and disease. The village of Stence, located at 650 meters above sea level, experiences higher-than-usual temperatures, exacerbating the challenges for beekeepers.

Beekeeping has become more challenging due to climate conditions and diseases. The country had 6,900 beekeepers with 306,000 beehives in 2023, but a European Commission study warned of a 10% threat to bees and butterflies in Europe.

Miloseska notes that honey production has decreased significantly, pushing prices up. Other beekeepers like Vladimir Petroski echo her concerns, highlighting the need for education and adaptation to changing conditions. Beekeepers' associations promote good practices, but environmental groups call for coordinated government action.

The Macedonian Ecological Society emphasizes the need for data sharing among state institutions to address these issues. The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) underscores the crucial role bees play in global food production and biodiversity.

FAQs

Q1: Why is beekeeping becoming more difficult in North Macedonia? A1: Climate change and diseases have made beekeeping more challenging by altering temperatures and increasing the prevalence of parasites and viruses.

Q2: How has climate change affected honey production? A2: Higher temperatures and erratic weather have reduced honey yields from 30-50 kilograms per beehive to an average of 10-20 kilograms.

Q3: What actions are beekeepers taking to adapt? A3: Beekeepers are educating themselves, adapting practices to local conditions, and participating in regional associations to promote good practices.

Q4: What is the role of bees in food production? A4: Bees pollinate 71 out of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of the world's food, making them essential for food production and biodiversity.

Q5: What solutions are being proposed to help beekeepers? A5: Environmental groups call for coordinated government action, better data sharing, and increased monitoring of bees' behavior.

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