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Objective 1
amplify the voice of rural areas to bring them higher on the political agenda -
Objective 2
structure and enable collaboration and mutual learning between Pact members -
Objective 3
encourage and monitor voluntary commitment for action by Rural Pact community members
Description
This project aims to identify genetic traits that enhance honeybee resilience to climate change and resistance to Varroa destructor. Local beekeepers will be involved in collecting bee samples from diverse environments, recording environmental data, and monitoring hive health. Genetic analysis will identify key markers linked to stress tolerance and mite resistance.
Selected bees will be bred in test apiaries to evaluate survival, productivity, and resistance levels. Rural communities will receive training in sustainable beekeeping, while an app will facilitate real-time hive monitoring. Findings will be shared through open-access publications, global beekeeping networks, and educational programs like Erasmus and eTwinning.
The project will strengthen local knowledge, support bee conservation, and contribute to international efforts to protect pollinators from climate threats and emerging diseases, ensuring ecological and agricultural sustainability.
Commitment's information
Thèmes
Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)
- Academic/research institution
- Citizen
- EU Institution
- International organisation
- Local Action Group
- National Rural Network
- Non-governmental / civil society organisation
- Other
- Private Business
- Public authority
Activities
- Rural development strategy
- Networking activities
- Research or/& evaluation
Expected Outcomes
Milestones
- Establish partnerships with local beekeepers and researchers.
- Organize training sessions on sample collection and hive monitoring.
- Extract DNA and sequence genes linked to climate adaptation and Varroa resistance.
- Analyse correlations between genetic markers and hive performance.
- Establish controlled test apiaries with selected resilient bees.
- Monitor survival rates, honey production, and mite resistance.
- Train beekeepers in sustainable practices and genetic-based selection.
- Deploy a mobile app for real-time hive health monitoring.
- Publish results in scientific journals and conferences.
- Collaborate with Erasmus programs for global knowledge exchange.
Final Outcomes
- Identification of genetic genotype bees
- Development of locally adapted, Varroa-resistant bee strains
- Empowerment of rural communities through education and technology
- Contribution to global pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture
Main results
Number of people
200
Number of projects
4
Number of jobs
20
Final results
The identification of genetic traits for Varroa resistance will reduce the need for chemical treatments, leading to healthier bees and pesticide-free honey production.
- Beekeepers will adopt natural selection and breeding methods, ensuring long-term hive resilience.
Farmers and agricultural stakeholders will better understand the role of bees in pollination and ecosystem health.
The project will promote pollinator-friendly farming practices, reducing pesticide use and habitat destruction.
Training in sustainable beekeeping and biodiversity conservation will create new economic opportunities for rural populations.
The project will support local honey production, eco-tourism, and pollination services, fostering rural development.
Findings will be shared internationally, influencing bee conservation policies and sustainable farming practices.
- Collaboration through Erasmus and will strengthen global research networks and environmental education.
État
Funding
- Commitment's fund
- EU funds, National funding, Regional funding, Local funding
- EU Fund
- ERASMUS
Further details
- Scope of action
- International
- Beneficiary country
- Italy
- Type of territories
- Rural area, Remote rural area, Urban area, Inland area, Mountainous area, Coastal area, Island