Syria's Beekeeping Heritage: A Struggle Against War, Pollution, and Climate Change
Syria's Beekeeping Heritage: A Struggle Against War, Pollution, and Climate Change In a land steeped in millennia-old beekeeping traditions, Syria's beekeepers face an uphill battle against the ravages of war, pollution, and climate change. Prior to the onset of the civil war in 2011, Syria boasted a thriving beekeeping industry, with approximately 635,000 beehives and a reputation for producing high-quality honey that commanded premium prices worldwide. However, the conflict's economic toll and the compounding challenges of the modern world have taken their toll. Today, Syria counts around 400,000 hives, a modest improvement from the crisis's nadir in 2016 when hive numbers plummeted to 150,000. However, the annual honey yield now stands at a mere 1,500 tonnes, half of the pre-war production levels. The economic equation for beekeepers has transformed drastically. Previously, a skilled beekeeper could recoup their investment in a single year, given the high honey pri...