Amman, July 15 (Petra) -- The PLANBEE project has launched a free advanced training program on beekeeping and sustainable practices to strengthen local apiary networks and promote entrepreneurship in the sector.
Implemented by the "Hand in Hand" Foundation for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, the three-day training begins on Thursday in Irbid and targets active beekeepers, with priority given to owners of apiaries with at least 10 beehives, according to a statement by the Foundation on Wednesday.
The training includes practical field sessions allowing participants to apply best practices at their workplaces, the association said.
The program is part of PLANBEE's efforts to build beekeepers' capacities and promote the beekeeping economy in the Mediterranean region, contributing to sustainable rural development and improving the efficiency of sector workers.
The training focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable and organic beekeeping, hive health, disease and pest management, honey quality improvement, local bee adaptation and the enhancement of local breeds.
It also covers hive management and colony care, disease and pest prevention methods using integrated management approaches with limited reliance on chemicals, as well as organic production standards that improve honey quality and increase its market value.
Participants will also learn about the latest practices in selecting and breeding local bee strains capable of adapting to different environmental and climatic conditions, strengthening colony resilience and long-term sustainability.
PLANBEE is funded through the European Union's Interreg NEXT MED program and implemented by a partnership of seven institutions from six Mediterranean countries: Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.
The project aims to support local economic growth by developing the beekeeping sector, promoting entrepreneurship and protecting the environment.
The training is a step toward developing Jordan's beekeeping sector and enhancing beekeepers' ability to adopt sustainable practices that improve production and preserve natural resources, in line with the project's economic and environmental development goals in the region.
//Petra// NQ
