Amman: The PLANBEE Launch Conference, titled 'From Hives to Horizons: Building a Sustainable Bee Economy in Jordan', was successfully held in Amman, organized by the Jordanian foundation Hand in Hand for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship. The event gathered over 300 participants, including policymakers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, researchers, environmental organizations, and tourism stakeholders from Jordan and the Mediterranean, both in-person and online.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the conference was held under the auspices of the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply of Jordan, represented by Eng. Yasmeen Khreisat, Assistant Secretary-General for Industrial Development, Trade, and External Affairs. This event highlighted the strategic importance of the Bee Economy in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and rural resilience in Jordan.
The conference marked the official launch of PLANBEE - Promoting Local Apiary Networks and Bee Entrepreneurial Excellence, and the initiation of the Bee Economy movement in Jordan. As a new participant in this Mediterranean initiative, Jordan joins a network of regions dedicated to utilizing beekeeping, biodiversity, and entrepreneurship for socio-economic development.
PLANBEE is a £2.8 million project co-funded at 89% by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. It is led by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and implemented by seven partners from six Mediterranean regions. While Jordan is embarking on this journey for the first time, other partner regions build on the groundwork established by the MedBEESinessHubs project.
Throughout the conference, discussions focused on sustainable beekeeping practices, honey differentiation based on flora, women-led entrepreneurship, and innovative apitourism models as means to strengthen local economies while preserving ecosystems. A project presentation detailed PLANBEE's objectives, activities, and expected impacts, such as upskilling bee entrepreneurs, promoting women-led initiatives under the MED Queen Bee concept, and expanding HoneyBeeRoutes to enhance sustainable tourism and rural growth.
A high-level panel discussion addressed critical topics, including the influence of flora, climate, and biodiversity on honey quality, the role of women entrepreneurs in developing resilient bee economies, and the potential of apitourism to diversify rural incomes, leveraging successful Mediterranean experiences.
The conference concluded with a networking session, encouraging dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders dedicated to advancing a sustainable and innovative Bee Economy in Jordan and the Mediterranean.
The buzz is real. The PLANBEE movement is growing.