Beekeeping

The beekeeping initiatives undertaken in partnership between the Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian, the Council of Native Caribbean Heritage (C.O.N.C.H.), and the Lokono villages of Wakapoa and Moraikobai represent a groundbreaking effort to intertwine community development with language revitalization. Launched in February 2024 and still ongoing, this sustainability-driven project has not only created economic opportunities for indigenous communities but has also reinforced the importance of preserving traditional Lokono knowledge and cultural identity. A key aspect of this initiative was the establishment of a satellite apiary on Elder Aaron Dundas’ property in Pakuri, ensuring a wider distribution of resources and expertise within the Lokono nation.

To implement this project effectively, we collaborated with Sweet Naturals, a renowned apiculture company specializing in sustainable beekeeping practices. Their team of expert apiculturists oversaw every stage of the project, from education and training to the follow-up and maintenance of the apiaries. Through their guidance, Lokono community members gained hands-on experience in hive management, honey production, and the ecological significance of beekeeping. The initiative has already demonstrated positive results, providing a sustainable livelihood for participants while fostering environmental stewardship within Lokono villages.

This project is more than just an economic venture; it is a holistic approach to indigenous empowerment. Recognizing that language revitalization and sustainable development must go hand in hand, we have tied the beekeeping initiative to the broader goal of preserving the Lokono language. The project’s expansion will include educational components in Lokono, ensuring that traditional ecological knowledge, including beekeeping terminologies and practices, is documented and passed down to future generations. By embedding language revitalization within economic and environmental initiatives, we aim to create a self-sustaining model that supports both cultural and financial resilience in Lokono communities.

As we look to scale this initiative, we invite further collaboration, investment, and community participation to strengthen the project’s long-term impact. Our mission is clear: to foster economic independence, cultural pride, and linguistic continuity through sustainable beekeeping, ensuring that both the Lokono language and community traditions thrive for generations to come.