the oldest apiary in the world threatened by drought

For five centuries, the oldest and largest traditional apiary in the world has been anchored on the mountainside in the Moroccan Atlas. It was erected by families of beekeepers who have maintained it for generations. Here, tens of thousands of bees produce exceptional honey, which is spread throughout the kingdom. This heritage treasure is now under threat. The bees no longer buzz like before. For months, entire colonies have been decimated by global warming.

Falling revenue

The hives are however ideally located, in the heart of a unique biodiversity reserve. Only, thymes, lavenders and argan trees are now dried up. There is no longer a flower to forage for the bees. Brahim Chtoui, president of the Inzerki apiary association, summarizes: “No flower, no egg, no bee. That’s the problem.” Fewer bees for him also means less honey to harvest and sell. Its production is entirely artisanal and is partly based on the use of a couscoussier. The beekeeper and his brother are expecting a catastrophic harvest in 2022. This situation has pushed many families to leave the village.