The 18th Traditional Manifestation Days of Honey and Medicinal Plants “Living with the Nature” took place in Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event, organized by the Association of Growers of Honey, Aromatic, and Medicinal Plants BPK “Facelija” from Goražde, has been a significant gathering for beekeepers from B&H and the wider Western Balkans region for many years.
This year, the fair was held symbolically on May 20 coinciding with the World Bee Day. The two-day event featured not only the exhibition and sale of honey and medicinal plants but also included professional educational sessions. Additionally, the fair showcased an exhibition of art and photographs related to beekeeping and nature. This blend of commerce, education, and culture underscores the fair’s comprehensive approach to promoting the importance of bees and the natural environment.
“The moto of this year’s World Bee Day is “Bees in cooperation with the young people”, which emphasizes the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and efforts to preserve pollinators, recognizing them as future stewards of our environment. Bees are often said to be one of the supporting pillars of life on Earth,” stated Rehad Deljo, president of the “Facelija” association. “He added that the organization of such and similar events aims to draw attention to the importance and problems in this area, and to gather all those who nurture, promote and organize the production of traditional products in B&H and beyond”.
“The essence of the program is to provide support for producers to connecting with the market, raising the quality and competitiveness of our agricultural and food products. At the same time, we are trying to draw attention to/or eliminate part of the problems that are present in agriculture today, which concern the cultivation, collection, processing and sale of both medicinal, honey-bearing, aromatic plants as well as honey, bee products and preparations produced on the basis of these plants”. Mr. Deljo He emphasized that in this way visitors to the fair are given the opportunity to purchase the highest quality, controlled, hygienically correct bee products, with recommendation that bee products are supplement to food and not a medicine”.
The organizer of the event have already announced a new gathering of beekeepers for September this year.
This activity is supported by the project: “Promotion of Economic Diversification of Rural Areas in Southeast Europe (SEDRA II) in SEE- Value chain capacity building on agriculture and rural tourism to streamline rural employment opportunities” implemented in partnership by SWG and GIZ.
