Minoni Oni

A honey-producing family works to devise a plan and safeguard their way of life as a wildfire jeopardizes the source of their earnings.

For the past four years since my arrival near Bonmuti village, the sight of forest fires has become a common occurrence. I attribute the billowing smoke during the dry season to residents clearing fields in preparation for planting in the rainy season. As time progresses, the smoke thickens, and flames become visible from a distance, indicating a burning forest. Reports from local residents suggest that careless land burning by some farmers contributes to these fires.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Tince’s family, who relies on forest honey products in Bonmuti. Through extensive discussions about honey, particularly with her husband—an expert in honey harvesting—the recurring theme of forest fires during the dry season became evident. The abundance of eucalyptus trees in the area, crucial for bees in producing high-quality honey, is overshadowed by the significant concern posed by forest fires. This concern is particularly pressing in regions densely populated by these trees, affecting both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those reliant on honey production.

This issue directly correlates with Tince and her husband’s complaints about the yearly decline in their honey harvest. The diminishing eucalyptus tree population reduces the bees’ food supply, potentially leading to migration. Without proper control of forest fires, this situation may worsen in the future. Realizing the gravity of this situation compels me to raise awareness about the dangers of forest fires in the region. Forests play a vital role for bees, significantly impacting the environmental ecosystem. Beyond promoting biodiversity and contributing to forest conservation, bees are integral to the livelihoods of people in Bonmuti village. For families like Tince’s, honey from beehives is not merely a product but a source of sustenance and economic stability.