Japan’s urban beekeeping revolution led by WOMEN FOR BEES Initiative

The conversation around sustainability and biodiversity is growing bigger every year, and now a unique initiative in Japan is making significant strides towards these while simultaneously championing women’s empowerment. The “WOMEN FOR BEES” program, a collaborative effort by Guerlain and UNESCO, has extended its reach to Japan, fostering a new generation of female beekeepers dedicated to urban beekeeping and the conservation of biodiversity.

Launched in 2020, the program globally aims to support women in beekeeping, intertwining the objectives of empowering women and preserving biodiversity. In Japan, the initiative took root in 2022 through partnerships with the NPO Umeda Bee Project and NPO Ginza Bee Project. These collaborations aim not just to introduce more women to the field of beekeeping but to leverage their involvement to generate a positive impact on society.

The program’s focus in Japan is on urban beekeeping, a practice that presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to traditional rural beekeeping. Urban environments offer untapped potentials for biodiversity conservation, particularly through the protection and proliferation of local bee populations. The “WOMEN FOR BEES” program provides rigorous training and education to women, equipping them with modern beekeeping techniques and deepening their understanding of the ecological role bees play within urban ecosystems.

By the end of 2023, 18 women had completed the training program in Japan, contributing to a growing network of female beekeepers who are not only skilled in the sustainable production of honey but also in utilizing beekeeping resources for broader environmental benefits. These include enhancing pollination in urban agricultural spaces and conducting environmental education activities for children, thus instilling an awareness and appreciation of nature’s interconnectedness from a young age.

Looking ahead to 2024, the program aims to train 12 more women, six each from the Umeda and Ginza Bee Projects. These initiatives are not just about producing honey; they’re about creating ecosystems of support, learning, and sustainability that ripple through communities, driven by the hard work and dedication of women beekeepers.

As the “WOMEN FOR BEES” program continues to expand, it stands as a testament to the power of collaborative initiatives that align environmental conservation with social empowerment, illustrating that the journey toward a sustainable future is paved with diverse contributions and inclusive opportunities.