Queens of bees

Developing alternative livelihoods for communities in these areas of mangrove deforestation is seen as a crucial step to protecting valuable mangrove forests.

Through an alternative livelihood project supported by MFF, the women of  Hai Phong City in Tien Lan District were able to get micro-loans to invest in equipment and training in sustainable beekeeping, and study tours to learn about eco labeling for wild honey.

With beekeeping as an alternative livelihood activity, less pressure is placed on the mangroves which provide nursery grounds for fish, reduce climate change related disaster risks, filter pollutants as well as provide an important source of food and livelihood for coastal communities.

Delivery of equipment © MFF Viet Nam 

Implemented by Tien Lang Women’s Union, the “Establish a sustainable apiculture model run by women in mangrove forest of Tien Lan District, Hai Phong City” project ran from November 2014 to July 2015. Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations provided managerial support for the project while Hai Phong Institution of Animal Science helped with technical support.

After an initial survey of 70 households in Hai Phong City, 20 elected to participate in the project. At the end of the project, 17 of the 20 households reported increased annual income of approximately VND 11m (approx. US$ 500) from apiculture production.

Fund for livelihood mangrove development © MFF Viet Nam 

The project was conceived, designed and implemented by women who have full ownership of, control of and access to resources. When the project ended, all households agreed to contribute to a development fund for mangrove protection and to expand the project further.

When asked about the importance of mangrove ecosystems, the women unanimously agreed that not only do mangroves represent their main source of income, but are essential for the wellbeing of the environment.