Socio-economic factors in traditional rafter beekeeping with<i>Apis dorsata</i>in Vietnam

Abstract

In the Melaleuca forest of southern Vietnam, local people practice a traditional technique using rafters to harvest honey and beeswax from the giant native honey bee, Apis dorsata. Our study was carried out at the state forestry farm of Song Trem, Ca Mau province. Data were collected from interviews with beekeepers and forest holders, as well as local officials. The results show that rafter beekeeping is important in the preservation and sustainable exploitation of the Melaleuca forests, and we suggest some solutions to conflicts that have arisen between the beekeepers and the new forest holders.