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Apimondia Congress Report
The Association is proud to participate in the 49th Apimondia International Apicultural Congress. The gathering united over 7,000 attendees to celebrate global Honeybee culture. It provided a platform of knowledge sharing, research presentations and discussion with international experts on the conservation and study of Honeybee species.
One significant area of development discussed is the recognition of a distinct native lineage within the Apis genus. Australia is home to wild living Honeybee populations with unique characteristics suggestive of hybridisation among multiple Apis species including Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and more recently, Apis florea. Preliminary observations indicate these wild bees may exhibit distinct morphological and behavioural traits, raising the research topic of an original lineage or subspecies emerging in the Australian landscape. To accurately assess this lineage, further research in geographic distribution mapping, morphometric analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing will help to clarify this taxonomic classification. Aligning research with international standards will also enhance our understanding of Apis diversity in Australia and support broader efforts in pollination, ecosystem conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
We also had the pleasure of meeting with Tracie Armstrong the Australian Pollination Strategy Program Manager and discussed Australia’s Pollination Strategy Report to be delivered by the Wheen Bee Foundation in 2026. Find out more at: https://www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/our-work/research-projects/australian-pollination-strategy/
Our delegates attended the General Assembly on Wednesday 24th September 2025, 17:15 hrs which included the admission of new Members, Discussion and approval of the working plan for the period 2026-2027 and election of two members of the Management Board: Vice-President (incumbent: Dr. Peter Kozmus, Slovenia) Secretary-General (incumbent: Mr. Riccardo Jannoni-Sebastianini, Italy) and the appointment of the venue of the 51st Apimondia International Apicultural Congress in 2029 in Germany.
Highlight Presentations
- Bee venom therapy for multiple sclerosis, Stanko Buha - Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Propolis as an apitherapeutic agent for use in the oral cavity, Anna Kurek Górecka - Poland
- From Forest Flowers to Honey: Synergies Between Beekeeping and Forest Conservation in Nepal, Kedar Devkota - Nepal
- Supplying Michelin star restaurants with beehive products, Peter Sjögren - Denmark
Global Honey Highlights
Honey from Madagascar sparked tasting notes of adventure, while the mangrove honey of Bangladesh offered a salty delight.
Africa
- Kenya – Makueni/Kitui
- Kenya – Baringo
- Madagascar – Mokarana
- Madagascar – Litchi
- Madagascar – Niaouli
- Mauritius – Multifloral
- Réunion Island – Miel Rare, Miel Tropicale Clair, Miel Tropicale Foncé
- South Africa – Cosmos, Buffalo Thorn, Boland Fynbos & Buchu, Citrus, Aloe Davyana, Protea Mundii & Fynbos, Yellowbox Eucalyptus, Overberg Fynbos, Cat Thorn (Drogie), Tsitsakamma Fynbos
- Tanzania – Kilimanjaro (stingless), Rich (stingless), Meru (stingless), Daisy Flowers, Miombo, Bidens Pilosa, African Acacia
- Togo – Shea Tree, Black Plum, Multifloral, Nere Tree, Highland Tropical, Savanna
Asia
- Bangladesh – Mustard, Litchi, Black Cumin, Wildflower, Sundarban Mangrove
- China – Vitex, Acacia, Chestnut, Linden, Litchi, Sour Jujube, Stingless Bee Tree Acid
- Japan – Wild Cherry Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Apple, Buckwheat, Loquat, Linden
- India – Acacia, Mustard, Raw Multi-floral, Black Forest
- Indonesia – Stingless Bee (Trigona, Tetragonula)
- Thailand – Apis cerana, Apis florea, Mlabri Wild Honey, Stingless Bee from various forests
Europe
- Austria – Forest, Honeydew, Multiflower
- Bulgaria – Acacia, Coriander, Linden, Honeydew, Lavender, Chestnut, Forest, Rapeseed
- Croatia – Acacia, Sage, Mint, Chestnut, Calluna, Deciduous Coastal & Continental
- Finland – Wildflower (Raspberry, Lingonberry, Fireweed)
- Germany – Marjoram, Silphie, Raspberry Blossom, Fir, Cherry Blossom
- Greece – Thyme, Heather, Pine, Fir, Oak, Vanilla Fir, Sidr
- Ireland – Bell Heather
- Latvia – Summer, Heather, Buckwheat, Linden, Forest
- Lithuania – Spring Blossom, Linden, Buckwheat, Multifloral, Forest (Dark Bee), Vilnius City Honeydew
- Malta – Spring and Summer Multiflora
- Norway – Heather, Bell Heather, Mountain Heather, Honeydew, Forest Berry
Americas
- Brazil – Stingless (Mandaçaia, Jandaíra, Uruçu, Brabo, Bora)
- Chile – Ulmo, Chilóe Island, Cryptantha, Quillay
- Costa Rica – Keytan
- Ecuador – Eucalyptus, Avocado, Pumamaqui, Ceibo, Laurel, Stingless (Catiana, Canambo)
- Grenada – Spice Island (1–4)
- Mexico – Mesquite, Avocado, Autumn Wildflowers, Mangrove, Melipona, Scaptotrigona (stingless)
- USA – Wildflower (Alabama, Wisconsin, New Jersey), Sourwood, Japanese Knotweed Honeydew
Oceania
- Australia – Grey Box, Jarrah, Red Gum, Blue Gum, Leatherwood, Yapunyah
- Fiji – Wildflower, Al‑Shifa, Pure Fiji
- New Zealand – Kāmahi, Rewarewa, Rata, Tawari, 1000m+, Thyme
The Journey to Recognising the Maltese Honey Bee: Achievements and Challenges Ahead, Dylan Farrugia - Malta
Inspiration was gleaned from work in Malta recognising their Native Honeybee.
On 24th September 2024, in an initiative led by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) was officially declared a national species of Malta. This declaration not only highlights the bee’s vital role in the local ecosystem as a key pollinator but also acknowledges its significant contributions to agriculture and biodiversity in the Maltese Islands.
The Maltese Honey Bee, known locally as in-Naħla Maltija, is an essential pollinator for many native plants and crops. This unique honey bee subspecies has evolved in isolation on the Maltese Islands, adapting to the local climate and environment. Its ability to thrive in Malta’s hot, arid summers is a testament to its resilience and ecological importance. The Maltese Honey Bee also plays a crucial role in honey production, contributing to the local economy and culinary traditions. Legally protected under the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, this species is pivotal in preserving Malta’s ecological balance. Ongoing conservation efforts, including monitoring and citizen science projects, aim to ensure the health and stability of its populations.
The Oldest Beehive in the World - Museum of Tree Beekeeping Culture
A beehive inside the trunk of an oak tree was recovered near Lezajsk in South eastern Poland. Radiocarbon dating of both the bees and the tree confirmed that the nest dates to approximately 680 CE. Geometric morphometric analysis of the 19 wing landmarks assigned the bees to the pure M evolutionary lineage consistent with the sub species Apis.m.m. Learn more about UNESCO Tree Beekeeping Culture
Apimondia Seven Commissions
Apimondia îs established with 7 Scientific Commission focusing on key areas of research and project delivery. Here we align the work of Pollinate Country to the commissions.
Apitherapy
The identification of unique wild Australian honeybee lineages may lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds in honey, propolis, or venom. This enhances the potential for high quality medicinal bee products, reinforcing the importance of establishing Sanctuaries for the cultivation for human health applications.
Bee Health
Pollinate Country’s rewilding mission is guided by research into wild bee adaptations and genetic traits, informing strategies that will strengthen ecological resilience.
Bee Biology
The congress emphasised the need for genetic, morphometric, and taxonomic analysis to reclassify an Apis lineage. This scientific foundation is critical to the promotion of Australian Wild Native Honeybee species.
Pollination & Bee Flora
Studying the distribution and behaviour of wild bees helps identify key habitats for conservation. This research improves on ground projects to establish rewilding sanctuaries.
Beekeeping Economy
Highlighting wild honeybee conservation builds capacity for communities through sustainable beekeeping. It supports local economies through pollination services and the production of high value bee products.
Beekeeping Technology & Quality
The call for advanced research methods like geographic distribution mapping and morphometric analysis encourages the integration of international research standard for Australian Honeybee research.
Beekeeping for Rural & Indigenous Development
Recognising Australia’s unique wild bee populations fosters opportunities for Indigenous led research, conservation, and education. This strengthens community participation in rewilding and acknowledges traditional knowledge and wisdom.
