PHNOM PENH— Bees are vital for biodiversity and food security, but Cambodia's native bee population is decreasing. A new study, “Current Status, Challenges, and Perspectives in the Conservation of Native Honeybees and Beekeeping in Cambodia,” calls for urgent action. In an interview with Cambodianess, lead author Eric Guerin detailed the study's findings on native bee conservation and suggested solutions.

Sao Phal Niseiy: What are the most notable findings you wish to highlight in your latest studies?

Eric Guerin: Eighty-three bee species have been recorded in Cambodia. However, this inventory remains incomplete, and many species have yet to be discovered. 

The population status of most of these species is still poorly understood. However, we do know that bee populations in Cambodia, as in other regions of the world, are affected by various environmental changes. In particular, habitat loss—especially the destruction of forests due to deforestation and fires—the intensification of agricultural practices, including monoculture and pesticide use, and climate change all pose significant threats.

Additionally, some honeybee species in Cambodia face another widespread practice: the consumption of bee brood (baby bees). This is particularly the case for the Asian giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) and the red dwarf honeybee (Apis florea), whose thousands—if not tens of thousands—of nests are destroyed each year. 

The decline of the Asian giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) is unanimously reported by honey hunters, who are both the most reliable witnesses and the most directly affected, as their livelihood depends on it. 

The decline of this species has been dramatic. Historical accounts from 1948 describe large aggregations of up to 90 colonies nesting in a single tree, known as a "bee tree." Such large aggregations have now completely disappeared from the Cambodian landscape. Today, the remaining aggregations contain only a handful of colonies. The largest ones, such as the Apis dorsata aggregation at Ta Prohm in the Angkor Archaeological Park, host at most a couple of dozen colonies.

The status of another species is also concerning: the black dwarf honeybee (Apis andreniformis), which appears to be largely restricted to humid evergreen forests. This species is already rare and patchily distributed in Cambodia. It is not unlikely that some populations are already isolated, increasing their risk of local extinction.

Sao Phal Niseiy: Why should Cambodians be concerned about the decline in native bee species? What consequences will arise if these native species become extinct?

Eric Guerin: While bees collect pollen and nectar for their survival, they also provide one of the most essential ecological services: pollination. Bees are a key pollinator for many wild and cultivated plant species in Cambodia.

Many trees and plants in Cambodia’s forests rely on bee pollination for their reproduction. Bees are therefore essential for the regeneration of Cambodian forests. Furthermore, many animals in these ecosystems depend on bee-pollinated plants for their survival. The decline of bee populations weakens ecosystems, particularly forests. Without bees, Cambodia’s ecosystems would likely be very different from those we know today, as many plants and trees would no longer be able to reproduce.

Several commercial crops in Cambodia, such as cashew, longan, coffee, and to some extent, mango, depend on bee pollination. These crops are important to Cambodia’s economy. It is likely that many plantations are already experiencing a pollinator deficit—in other words, their yields could be increased if local bee populations were more abundant. The consequences of bee population extinction on these commercial crops are difficult to quantify, but they would very likely be dramatic.

Furthermore, numerous bee-pollinated fruits and vegetables are produced by small-scale Cambodian farmers, either sold locally or used for subsistence, thus contributing to the livelihoods of local communities. Here too, it is likely that many small-scale farms could benefit from more abundant and diverse bee populations. The disappearance of bees would likely have dramatic consequences for small-scale farmers.

The continued decline of native honeybees also directly impacts the thousands of Cambodian honey hunters, who see their source of income diminishing year after year. The disappearance of honeybees would also deprive consumers of wild honey.

Sao Phal Niseiy: As we know, habitat losses, harmful agricultural practices, climate crises and the consumption of bee brood have contributed to the decline of native bee species. How can Cambodia address these threats?

Eric Guerin: The first step in solving a problem is to understand it thoroughly. Raising awareness among stakeholders about the causes and consequences of bee decline is therefore crucial. We also need to deepen our knowledge of these bees—their biology, population status, and their role in crop and ecosystem pollination. For example, quantifying the value of native bees for the pollination of economically important crops in Cambodia such as cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale), would be highly beneficial. Additionally, it is essential to analyze the farming practices contributing to their decline before considering more bee-friendly alternatives. A farmer, for instance, will be more receptive to reducing pesticide use if a viable alternative is proposed. Therefore, raising awareness of stakeholders about the causes and consequences of bee decline is crucial. We also need to deepen our knowledge of these bees, their biology, and the status of their populations, as well as gain a better understanding of the practices contributing to their decline. It is essential to analyze these practices before considering more bee-friendly alternatives. For example, a farmer will be more receptive to reducing pesticide use if a viable alternative is proposed. 

To protect Cambodian bee populations, ecosystems, and the economy, an immediate awareness campaign should highlight the negative consequences of brood consumption. Consuming bee brood refers to the practice of eating the larvae and pupae of bees. Essentially, it involves consuming the immature stages of bees while they are still developing within the honeycomb. Though the brood is considered a nutritious food source, it is important to understand that the over harvesting of bee brood can have very negative impacts on bee populations. 

Sao Phal Niseiy: Policy intervention would be crucial, addressing the issue, but getting local communities involved would be more sustainable and more effective. What do you think can be the role of local communities in safeguarding native bees?

Eric Guerin: Since their decline is likely to affect us all, protecting bees should be everyone's concern. Each of us can contribute in our way. Every citizen who chooses to stop consuming bee brood, every farmer who understands that by protecting bee habitat and colonies nesting on or near their farm, they increase their chances of improving crop yields and adopts bee-friendly practices such as agroecology or agroforestry, every landowner who chooses to protect or replant a forest on their land, every honey hunter who decides to adopt sustainable harvesting practices by collecting only the honey and leaving the brood intact, they increase their chances of improving crop yields—each action plays a role in safeguarding bee populations.

The consumption of wild bee brood and the destruction of bee nests it entails are unfortunately encouraged by YouTubers who are likely unaware of the dramatic consequences of these practices on Cambodia’s bees and the vital services they provide to ecosystems and Cambodian agriculture. These YouTubers have a significant influence on a large audience! If some of them chose to use their talents to protect bees rather than contribute to their destruction, they could have a tremendous impact on bee conservation and, indirectly, benefit ecosystems and millions of farmers.