Prior to 2010, when the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) was initiated, consistent engagement with young beekeepers was limited to a few countries. Regrettably, many organizations expressed a desire to support youth initiatives, yet failed to provide substantive financial or practical assistance.
Fortunately, the landscape has significantly improved over the past fifteen years across most European nations. This positive evolution is evident at the IMYB gatherings, which serve as a crucial platform not only for young beekeepers but also for their mentors, facilitating valuable knowledge exchange and experience sharing.
The EBA also realizes the importance of preservation and advancement of beekeeping, particularly through the prioritization of support for young beekeepers and therefore in March 2025 the EBA Scientific Committee for Young Beekeepers, which was established this year, finalized its long-term program and strategic vision.
Long-term and vision for working with beekeeping youth in Europe
Youth Engagement in Beekeeping
- Beekeeping Clubs & Workshops
Promote and support the establishment of beekeeping clubs and the organization of interactive workshops for young people (ages 4–26) to spark interest in honeybees and sustainable beekeeping practices, as well as other pollinators and nature . Activities should be hands-on, engaging, and age-appropriate. Motivate passion for beekeeping in the age group 4-26 years across Europe. Support and facilitate the development of educational materials that can be used by beekeeping clubs and in workshops.
- Beekeeping Camps & Events
Promote and support seasonal camps and events where young participants can experience beekeeping in a fun and educational setting, encouraging long-term involvement in beekeeping . Provide hands-on training and competitions to help participants develop practical skills in beekeeping.
- Public Education
Create opportunities to educate the public about bees and their importance to environmental and agricultural health. From a scientific perspective, highlight the fascinating world of honeybees and their unique social and biological structures. Create interest in bees and their role in nature, and attract young people to the fascinating world of honeybees and beekeeping.
Pan-European Beekeeping Mentorship Network
- Mentor-Student Matching
Develop a structured mentorship program connecting experienced beekeepers with young learners across Europe. Utilize both in-person and digital platforms to facilitate mentorship. Bring together young beekeepers, mentors, and experts to share knowledge and experiences.
- Digital Knowledge Hub
Create an online platform with educational materials, practical guidance, and a forum for young beekeepers to interact, learn, and share experiences.
- Network of Coordinators
A network of European coordinators will be created, responsible for activities with young beekeepers. Provide opportunities for the Coordinators to share information about their programs for young beekeepers, and support collaboration in the creation of education materials.
Involve all European countries in the IMYB project by promoting their participation through the coordinators/mentorship network.
Sustainability & Awareness
- Eco-Friendly Beekeeping Practices
Promote responsible beekeeping by advocating for education on honeybees, their role in biodiversity, and the impact of beekeeping on the environment. Encourage sustainable hive management and share modern directions and approaches in beekeeping. Support opportunities to teach young beekeepers the basics of organic beekeeping, including treatment methods, natural feeding techniques, and how to obtain European funds to support sustainable practices.
- Community & School Partnerships
Collaborate with schools, local beekeeping associations, and other related organizations to integrate beekeeping into educational programs and extracurricular activities. Support the establishment of beekeeping clubs (including in schools) , regional/national/international competitions, and the introduction/expansion of educational materials about honeybees and other pollinators into school curricula.
- Industry & Research Collaboration
Support cooperation between the beekeeping community and beekeeping-focused universities, as well as related businesses . Strive for greater support for the involvement of young beekeepers in beekeeping associations and unions. Emphasize the importance of recruiting young beekeepers to ensure the continued existence of the beekeeping industry. Promote beekeeping as a sustainable and rewarding livelihood option.
- Participation in European Projects
Encourage participation in European projects related to sustainability, nature conservation issues, pollinators, inclusion and diversity, common values, and creating and promoting learning opportunities.
Bee & Science
Establishing Science Centers
To provide a scientific perspective to create interest in the mysterious world of bees and to attract young people to that world, to explain the social life of bees with science.
For example
-Why do bees weave hexagonal honeycombs
-How do bees communicate
-Why do bees have honeycomb eyes, why are they so big
-Why do bees have stingers
-Why do bees have polygamy
-How do bees work so harmoniously
-What is the Artificial Colony Algorithm?
RNDr. Jiñí Píza
President of the EBA Scientific Committee for Young Beekeepers
