The councilthrough the insular area of the primary sector, will lead the selection and improvement program for the Tenerife black bee (Apis mellifera), an endemic variety on the island. The councilor Javier Parrilla announces the initiative “to guarantee the survival of the species and improve the quality of honey”. This project was born with the objective of conservation just like the sanitation of the beautiful potato or that of the 36 species of vine.
The black bee –due to its dark appearance that contrasts with those of other latitudes–, existed in the wild in the natural environment thanks to its adaptation to the environment and the climate. That is why it has become part of the specific biodiversity of the islands. This program aims to “improve fertility, analyze its characteristics and reduce possible diseases,” explains the head of the primary sector.
Parrilla presented the proposal at the Insular Beekeeping Table, which had not met since 2015. He recalled that For 2022, the Cabildo has allocated an item of 92,000 euros for complementary food. This aid is a basis for combating the deficit in the face of climate change, with periods of little rainfall and scarce flowering. Grill clarified that the associations will choose the type of food and the amount will be distributed according to the hives. He highlighted the importance of the Regional Honey Contest that will celebrate its XXVI edition. The PDO Miel de Tenerife, “unique in the world”, covers the entire territory of the Island and covers twelve single-flower varieties:
The representatives of the sector transferred their uncertainty before the reduction of the beekeeping transhumance in the Teide National Park, as well as the reforestation programs in Arico-Fasnia. Parrilla reported that allegations have been submitted to the Park’s Master Plan for the regulation of a practice with more than 500 years of tradition.
