Movement for conserving bees in the Western Ghats

The hum of honeybees in the forest is more than just a sign of pollination—it's a sign of harmony between people and nature.

While our updates may have taken a little longer than expected, the forest had its own timeline to share something truly remarkable.

Drawing upon deep traditional knowledge, particularly from indigenous forest communities, our ongoing work of distributing bee boxes has taken another inspiring step forward. During regular explorations of the forest landscape, a naturally established colony of the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) was discovered nesting within the trunk of a Hirda tree (Terminalia chebula), a species revered for its ecological and medicinal value.

Among the native honeybee species found in our region, Apis cerana stands out for its adaptability. Unlike the Giant (A. dorsata) or the Dwarf honeybee (A. florea), Apis cerana prefers nesting in tree cavities, and has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to modern environments—finding refuge even in walls, roofs, and enclosed tanks. This unique behavioral trait makes it the ideal species for domestication through sustainable beekeeping, especially in bee boxes designed to mimic its natural nesting preferences.

Following the discovery of the colony, our field team sprang into action, relying not on manuals or machinery, but on experience and calm precision born from years of forest living. The identification of the queen bee—a task that demands incredible observational skill—was handled smoothly, and the queen was gently transferred into the prepared bee box. As if responding to a silent cue, the rest of the colony followed, filling the box with buzzing life. This seamless transition highlights the finesse and understanding that only those who live close to the forest can truly master.

Once the colony settled into the new box, it was relocated to a safe and suitable spot in the forest. This is just one example of many that continue to reinforce a powerful truth: forest-dwelling communities hold an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge. Their connection to the land is both ancestral and practical, and when they are empowered as conservation stewards, the results are truly transformative.

Our organization, now entering its 30th year, remains committed to conservation rooted in community partnership. By respecting local wisdom and fostering co-existence, we have nurtured a model that is both ecological and inclusive. This bee box initiative is part of that journey, and we are working to scale it up—with a goal of establishing 40 boxes this year alone.

We are grateful for the support we've received from donors like you. Your contributions don’t just help us buy equipment or run field operations—they support a deeper vision: one where humans and nature thrive together.

As you read this story, we invite you to view the accompanying photos of our team in action—carefully tending to bee colonies, placing boxes in forest clearings, and fostering a buzzing partnership with nature.

Stay tuned for more field updates, and as always, thank you for helping us keep the buzz alive.

KEEP BUZZING!