A launch conference in Jordan marked the beginning of the PLANBEE project (Promoting Local Apiary Networks and Bee Entrepreneurial Excellence) co-funded at 89% by the EU, led by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and implemented by seven partners from six Mediterranean regions, the CCCI said in a press release.
The PLANBEE Launch Conference, entitled 'From Hives to Horizons: Building a Sustainable Bee Economy in Jordan', was “successfully” held in Amman on January 28 by the Jordanian foundation Hand in Hand for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, it said. “The event brought together more than 300 policymakers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, researchers, environmental organisations and tourism stakeholders from Jordan and across the Mediterranean, in-person and online”, it adds.
The event, according to the CCCI, marked both the official launch of PLANBEE – Promoting Local Apiary Networks and Bee Entrepreneurial Excellence and the beginning of the Bee Economy movement in Jordan. “As a newcomer to this Mediterranean initiative, Jordan joins a growing network of regions committed to harnessing beekeeping, biodiversity and entrepreneurship as drivers of socio-economic development”, it said.
Throughout the conference, it adds, participants explored how sustainable beekeeping practices, flora-based honey differentiation, women-led entrepreneurship and innovative apitourism models can strengthen local economies while preserving natural ecosystems. A dedicated project presentation outlined PLANBEE’s objectives, activities and expected impact, including the upskilling of bee entrepreneurs, the promotion of women-led initiatives under the MED Queen Bee concept, and the expansion of HoneyBeeRoutes as tools for sustainable tourism and rural growth, it also said.
It is noted that the conference, that was held under the auspices of Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply of Jordan, concluded with a networking session, fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders committed to advancing a sustainable and innovative Bee Economy in Jordan and across the Mediterranean.
PLANBEE is a €2.8 million project co-funded at 89% by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, led by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and implemented by seven partners from six Mediterranean regions, it adds.
(Source: CNA)
