Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Amina Bin Kalli, an inspirational Emirati beekeeper and winner of the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, has made it her mission to promote sustainability and empower women through beekeeping. Through her passion for bees, she has not only contributed to the agricultural sector but has also worked to preserve the traditional practices of Emirati beekeeping.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, she shared her insights on how beekeeping contributes significantly to the environmental conservation and food security of the UAE. She believes introducing women to beekeeping boosts their role in environmental preservation.
"I have a great passion for providing knowledge and guidance to women in the field of beekeeping, as I believe empowering women in this sector can greatly enhance their role in preserving the environment," she said.
Bin Kalli is combining beekeeping methods, in order to enhance productivity while maintaining the authenticity of the craft.
"I am keen to combine traditional methods derived from our rich Emirati beekeeping heritage with modern techniques," she explained.
For example, she selects natural sites for her beehives near palm farms and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity and improve honey quality. At the same time, she utilises modern tools like temperature and humidity sensors to ensure optimal conditions for bee health, particularly in the extreme heat of the UAE.
"I innovate with cooling systems and collaborate with local farmers to provide bees with a diverse food supply," she added.
One of the most significant challenges Bin Kalli faces as a female beekeeper is overcoming the stereotype that beekeeping is a male-dominated field. However, she believes that qualities such as passion, patience and attention to detail, which are often associated with women, make them ideal candidates for beekeeping.
Bin Kalli produces honey varieties such as Sidr, Ghaf, Samar and Mangrove, and her beekeeping practices are rooted in Emirati culture.
"Emirati culture plays a vital and influential role in shaping my beekeeping practices," she explained.
The Emirati connection to nature is reflected in the symbolic importance of bees, which represent cooperation and harmony with the environment.
Honey, too, holds a special place in Emirati culture.
"Honey is considered, in our culture, a source of healing and treatment before being viewed as a food product," Bin Kalli said.
Her commitment to maintaining safety in her work with bees is paramount. Her understanding of bee behaviour, which she likens to a special language, allows her to maintain a safe environment for both herself and the bees.
Bin Kalli explained the impact of beekeeping on the local economy - the industry boosts biodiversity, creates jobs and drives the export of local honey. And in the UAE's climate, bees help sustain plant growth and ensure crop productivity, she explained.
"Beekeeping has a wide-ranging positive impact on local agriculture and the environment in the UAE, and plays a pivotal role in supporting food security and boosting the national economy," she said.
And she envisions a thriving future for beekeeping in the UAE.
"I see a bright future for beekeeping in the UAE thanks to the growing interest in sustainable agriculture and the move towards enhancing biodiversity," she said.
Her aspirations include training the next generation of beekeepers, particularly the youth, and raising awareness about the vital role bees play in both agriculture and environmental conservation.
"Through cooperation between beekeepers, the community, and government institutions, these challenges can be overcome," Bin Kalli added.
