WORLD BEE DAY 2026 CELEBRATED AT GISHWATI-MUKURA NATIONAL PARK & BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Gishwati-Mukura National Park and its Biosphere Reserve hosted the 2026 World Bee Day celebrations from May 18 to 20 under the global theme, “Bee, Together for People and the Planet, A Partnership that Sustains Us All.”
The three-day event was jointly organized by the UNESCO Rwanda National Commission, the Rwanda National Committee of the Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Rwanda Development Board/Gishwati-Mukura National Park & Biosphere Reserve, the UNESCO–Guerlain Women for Bees Project, and UNICOAPIGI.
The celebration brought together representatives from conservation organizations, local communities, development partners, researchers, beekeeping cooperatives, Representatives of Local Government, and the private sector to highlight the importance of bees and other pollinators in protecting biodiversity, strengthening food security, and improving livelihoods.
Dr Christine Gasingirwa, addressing the participants to this celebration day
Speaking during the event, Christine Gasingirwa, Chairperson of the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO General Assembly, said that Rutsiro District is widely recognized for its honey production and for hosting the Gishwati-Mukura Biosphere Reserve. She stressed that bees must be protected because they are essential to honey production and contribute significantly to the livelihoods and prosperity of local communities. She explained that the partnership between men, bees and planet is crucial for the surviving of human being.
She further noted that, through UNESCO’s mandate, the Commission plays a key role in protecting biological diversity through education, research, and partnerships.
Rutsiro district Vice-Mayor for Economic Affairs, Emmanuel Uwizeyimana commending Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO partnership
Rutsiro District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, emphasized the economic potential of beekeeping, noting that many residents still consider it a supplementary activity rather than a primary source of income. He called for a change in mindset, describing beekeeping as a sustainable and profitable profession capable of fully supporting families and creating pride within the community.
The Vice Mayor also raised concerns from local beekeepers regarding the harmful effects of pesticides on bees and pledged to work toward solutions that balance the interests of both farmers and beekeepers. He commended UNESCO and its partners for their contribution to improving local livelihoods and added that the Gishwati-Mukura forest generates significant revenue for the district each year through conservation and tourism activities.
Matilde Mukasekuru, an officer in charge of Animal Supply and Market Analysis at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the crucial role bees play in crop pollination and agricultural productivity. She encouraged farmers to spray pesticides in the evening to minimize their harmful effects on bees, allowing the chemicals to weaken before bees leave their hives the following morning.
Ms Matilde Mukasekuru, Animal products Supply and Market Analyst, during her opening speech
She also called for beekeeping to be recognized as a professional activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and dignity for practitioners. According to her, Rwanda currently has 197 beekeeping cooperatives made up of 5,071 men and 2,579 women. She added that Rwanda produces approximately 8,700 tons of honey annually, although the country still imports additional honey to meet domestic demand.
Participants attending different sessions and presentations
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of achievements and the ongoing impact of the UNESCO–Guerlain Women for Bees Project, which has been implemented in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park & Biosphere Reserve since 2023. The initiative supports women beekeepers through professional training in sustainable apiculture, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship while strengthening local livelihoods and community resilience.
Organizers said the World Bee Day celebration serves as an important platform for strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge, and reaffirming commitments to pollinator protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable environmental management in line with UNESCO programmes and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They also extended an open invitation to national and international stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives aimed at protecting pollinators and promoting harmony between people and nature.
Philomene MUKANKUSI