International Event: Sustainable and Inclusive Beekeeping in Montenegro

The idea of celebrating World Bee Day was born in Slovenia – a country that has made beekeeping an integral part of its identity, culture, and sustainable development. This year, the Municipality of Berane hosted the central World Bee Day celebration in Montenegro.

The event was jointly organized by: Zavod Krog from Slovenia, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Montenegro, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro, the Municipality of Berane – Secretariat for Agriculture and Water Management, the Municipality of Berane – Secretariat for Tourism, the Beekeeping Association of Montenegro, the Tourist Organization of Berane, and the Beekepers' Association of Berane.

The ceremonial programme began in the morning in front of the Municipality of Berane building, where local beekeepers presented their work and products. Visitors enjoyed performances by children from the JU »Radmila Nedić« kindergarten and young athletes from FK Berane, the planting of linden trees, and the installation of educational panels supported by NLB Bank Podgorica.

The event continued with the conference »Sustainable and Inclusive Beekeeping«, featuring two thematic panels dedicated to the Slovenian model of sustainable beekeeping and apitourism – practices, innovations, and opportunities for Berane – as well as strengthening the role of women and youth in beekeeping. Expert presentations were also delivered by Sanja Savković on »The Role of Laboratories in Protecting Beekeepers and Consumers«, and Dragutin Pantović on innovations in the development of devices for collecting bee venom.

The conference brought together institutional representatives, beekeepers, experts, and international partners from Montenegro and Slovenia to exchange experiences and encourage innovation in the field of beekeeping.

Miroslav Cimbaljević, Director General of the Directorate for Agriculture, emphasized in his address the importance of developing beekeeping, supporting local producers, and strengthening cooperation between institutions, communities, and young people in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.

»Beekeeping is not only an agricultural activity, but also an important element of nature conservation, rural development, and building a healthier future for all citizens. Through joint efforts, we can create a sustainable system that supports both producers and the environment,« said Cimbaljević.

Emina Hadžić, Director of Zavod Krog, highlighted:

»Today, we bring this tradition and knowledge to you – not as a ready-made model to simply replicate, but as inspiration and as a partner with whom you can build your own story.«

One of the panel discussions also featured Ranko Bogavac, Head of the Directorate for Inspection Affairs, who emphasized the importance of institutional support and improving standards in beekeeping and product safety.

Slovenian beekeeper and apitherapist Uroš Kozjek, founder and owner of the apitourism estate Apiturizem Kr’Bee, presented sustainable practices that combine traditional knowledge with modern approaches to bee protection. Tjaša Stankovič, a Slovenian biologist, beekeeper, apitherapist, tourist guide, and head of Zavod Čebela, presented educational programmes in apipedagogy and apitherapeutic programmes.

One of Montenegro’s key goals will be to encourage greater involvement of women and young people in beekeeping. The organizers concluded that joint initiatives such as World Bee Day celebrations will strengthen cultural ties between Slovenia and Montenegro while encouraging international cooperation.

Cooperation with Slovenian partners creates opportunities for the Municipality of Berane to develop similar models – from educational programmes and bee-related tourism experiences to the creation of new products and services that can strengthen the municipality’s recognition as a sustainable tourism destination. Such an approach can significantly strengthen the local economy, create new jobs – especially for women and youth – and contribute to greater appreciation and sustainable use of Berane’s natural resources.