Bees Rapa Nui
Free of Pathogens, a Source of Life and Love
A recent study by the Center for Beekeeping Development at the University Mayor (CeapiMayor) and the Chilean Beekeeping Corporation (Cach), with the support of the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA) discovered that the descendants of these bees are now unique in the world because they are totally free from any pathogens (bacteria, viruses, mites, fungi). This news was an incentive for a group of owners of beehives to form an Agro-apian Cooperative which they call Meri Henua (honey-earth, in the local language). After less than a year of intensive training, it can now be said that Rapa Nui has proper beekeepers. “We are 15. Unfortunately, one member pulled out because he felt that we were holding him back. He already had continental partners in Rancagua where they package and then distribute in Santiago…” comments the president, Diana Edmunds. “Our mission as a co-operative is not as much to sell as to protect our wild bees. Each one of us monitors the bees, teaches the children in the schools and promotes reforestation, both in town and out in the countryside, with nectar producing plants (sweet basil, hibiscus, strawberry, mango, passion fruit, noni, avocado, banana, thyme, clover). In addition, we have a project with CONAF (Chilean National Forestry Service) to work with the Honga’a o te Mana Secondary School. We want to make people aware that the reserve of bees on the Island is part of our heritage, almost like the Moai (statues).”
Featured Reports:
El Tavake and its future
The Tavake And its future, a challenge for Rapa NuiOne of the loveliest spots on the Island is the Moai (statue) quarry at Rano Raraku. Anyone who has visited it has seen or heard the Tavakes, the red-tailed tropicbird. These majestic white birds, with their bright...
Marine Reserve in the bay of hanga roa
Marine Reserve in the bay of hanga roaAccording to the experts and the international NGOs that are dedicated to marine conservation, the oceans should be managed as ecosystems and not as a cornucopia that the fishing industry can harvest at will. In the entire world,...
Toromiro Revives on Rapa Nui
Toromiro Revives on Rapa NuiEtnobotany Recovery The toromiro, a sacred tree planted around ceremonial centers, was declared extinct over 50 years ago. The last one was seen in the crater at Rano Kau during Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition in 1956. There have been...