Buzzing Around the World: Natural Appalachian Beekeeping in Comparative Context

My paper explores natural, chemical-free beekeeping in Appalachia and compares those Apian practices to similar practices in other global mountain regions. It should come as no surprise that honeybees are facing serious pressures worldwide from colony collapse to habitat destruction and pesticides. There is a critical need to understand what is behind this crisis and to improve upon the methods by which beekeepers manage their bees, thus increasing the honeybee’s chance of long term survival. In Appalachia, many beekeepers are researching and practicing natural, chemical-free methods in their apiaries. The Appalachian region provides a wonderful place to practice natural beekeeping. The limited amount of large, commercial, agricultural farms and their use of chemicals, along with the diversity in the flora and fauna of the mountains, contribute to the Appalachian region being a great location to try different, more natural methods of beekeeping. In other mountainous regions of the world with similar conditions, similar practices are being used to improve the honeybee’s chance of not only surviving but thriving. By comparing apian practices in other mountainous regions around the globe, such as Carpathia or the British Isles, and the natural beekeeping methods that are being employed, we can come to a greater understanding of what will ensure the sustainability of the honeybee in Appalachia