Beekeeping to be nominated for UNESCO heritage status

The Slovenian beekeeping tradition is rich and deeply anchored in the popular consciousness. Slovenia is home to the Carniolan honey bee, an indigenous subspecies which is one of the most widespread honeybees in the world. What is more, among every thousand citizens of Slovenia, four people are beekeepers. The Slovenian Professional Guides Association (KPTVS) and Slovenian Beekepers’ Association, have even established the first api-tourist guide licences for Slovenia. Thus, if you love honey, a trip to Slovenia is a must.

The most important figure in Slovenian beekeeping is Anton Janša, the first beekeeping teacher at the court in Vienna, whose discoveries in the 18th century turned beekeeping on its head and formed the basis for modern beekeeping. He also enjoyed the favour of the then ruling Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Therefore it comes of no surprise that the World Bee Day has been proclaimed on his birthday, 20 May.

Now, The Ministry of Culture of Slovenia made another important step forward, by drafting the nomination of intangible heritage unit of beekeeping in Slovenia for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination demonstrates the richness of apicultural heritage, its long history and traditional expressions, as well as the prevalence of skills, knowledge and good practice passed down from generation to generation.

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