Overview

BEELOSOPHY documents traditional beekeeping in movable-comb hives, with the input of some of its last living bearers. Special emphasis is put on vraskia, the upright movable-comb clay hives of Crete. Modern-day interpretation, protection and safeguard of this cultural heritage, as well as highlighting other related elements of culture are supported, through activities such as: production of educational material (video, brochure), fieldwork,  production and installation of clay hives (replicas) for scientific and educational purposes, communication, networking, and dissemination.

Objectives – Priorities

The action aims to contribute to the safeguard and preservation of Greek traditional beekeeping in movable-comb hives. Actors in and outside Crete are encouraged to get to know, safeguard, preserve and transfer the traditional method, which can help them gain inspiration and knowledge, and enrich beekeeping activities, cultural and alternative tourism, recreation, sightseeing and cultural routes, and related activities. The results of the action can be incorporated within a wide geographic area where movable-comb hives were traditionally used (central/ western Crete, Kythera, Antikythera, eastern Peloponnese, Argosaronic islands, Attica, Kea), without altering the identity of the referred-to regions.

Justification - Significance

Movable-comb hives were well known in ancient Greece and have remained in use in the Greek territory to this day. They became known in the West in the 17th century and have had a decisive influence on the evolution of global beekeeping. Indeed, Lorenzo Langstroth in the United States of America was based on the knowledge acquired from the Greek movable-comb hives to define the bee space and patent the modern movable-frame hive in 1852, which is still today the most universally popular hive. The traditional movable-comb beekeeping method practiced in Greek hives is nowadays in immediate danger of disappearing. Therefore, its safeguard and preservation are extremely important.

The action has additional value for the prospective inscription of the element (Traditional beekeeping in movable-comb hives) in the Hellenic Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The traditional beekeeping method, once its importance is recognised and its viability ensured, and with the right policies in place, can emerge as a factor of sustainable development and social cohesion.