Jincheon establishes 3-hectare forest as food source for honeybees

Jincheon County in South Korea has established a 3-hectare "honeybee food forest" in the Gwanghyewon area. This initiative, also known as a "milwon" or nectar source forest, involves planting trees and flowers that provide essential food for honeybees.

The project, located in a county-owned forest in Jukhyun-ri, Gwanghyewon-myeon, involved an investment of 60 million Korean won. Approximately 4,500 "shinamu" trees were planted. The shinamu, a deciduous broad-leaved tree native to Asia, typically grows to between 6 to 8 meters tall. It is favored for its long blooming period and high pollen production, offering a stable food source for bees.

Kim Young-joong, a team leader in Jincheon County's Forest Policy Team, explained the purpose of the forest. "We created the honeybee food forest to provide a stable food source for bees, foster a healthy forest ecosystem, and support local beekeeping farmers," he stated.

The establishment of this forest is part of broader efforts to support pollinator populations, which are crucial for both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity. By ensuring a consistent food supply, the county aims to improve the health and vitality of its local bee populations, which in turn benefits surrounding agriculture and biodiversity.

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We created the honeybee food forest to provide a stable food source for bees, foster a healthy forest ecosystem, and support local beekeeping farmers.