Francisco Melim

Photographer, Videographer

www.franciscomelim.com/

Climate Crisis Buzz: Portuguese Beekeepers

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Location: Lisbon

Nationality: Portuguese

Biography: Born in 1993 in Lisbon, Portugal, Francisco Melim is a photographer with a unique perspective and an inspiring background. His childhood was shaped by the charming mountains of Sintra and the suburban landscapes of Mafra. From a young age, he... MORE

Focus: Photojournalist, Travel, Photo Assistant, Documentary, News, Film, Photography, Foreign, Events, International News, Freelance, Civil Rights and Social Inequality, Life, Impact, Assignments, Explorer, Human Rights, International, Magazine, Publishing, Newspapers, Climate, Digital Journalism, Head of News Consumer Insights, Environmental Stories, Health Stories, Breaking News, Reportage, Creator, Visual Journalist, Visual Storyteller, Visual Storytelling

Leonardo, is a natural beekeepe...alled Dlapmel in the West area.

Leonardo, is a natural beekeeper from the Mafra region who runs a honey production company called Dlapmel in the West area.

He tended to his beehives on hi...nto a lifelong passion for him.

He tended to his beehives on his regular visits to the apiary. What started as a chance encounter with a swarm near his home six years ago has turned into a lifelong passion for him.

The decline in bee populations ...isappearance of these insects.

The decline in bee populations is a topic that surfaces from time to time, serving as a reminder of the impact on the balance of natural ecosystems that comes from the rapid disappearance of these insects.

Bee swarms are more common in s...ious times throughout the year.

Bee swarms are more common in spring, but in recent years, they've been appearing at various times throughout the year.

Bees play a vital role in the n... many other species. - he says.

Bees play a vital role in the natural dance of plant reproduction, and any disruption to their rhythm can have a significant impact on ecosystems, habitats, and the reproduction of many other species. - he says.

Climate Crisis Buzz: Portuguese Beekeepers

Honeycombs constructed by the bees.

In adverse weather conditions s...nies and ensure their survival.

In adverse weather conditions such as cold, rain, and sudden climatic shifts, beehives can weaken, necessitating the provision of supplemental feed to bolster struggling colonies and ensure their survival.

A professional beekeeper, Tom&a...the biodiversity they support.

A professional beekeeper, Tomás embarked on his journey during his studies at the University of Algarve. Today, he navigates the financial and environmental hurdles of beekeeping with unwavering dedication. Tomás emphasizes the disparity in treatment between farmers and beekeepers when it comes to community subsidies. Despite these obstacles, his journey exemplifies a commitment to protecting these vital pollinators and the biodiversity they support.

Tomas readies the smoker ahead of his hive inspection.

Environmental issues further co...lity to navigate and pollinate.

Environmental issues further compound these challenges. Practices such as intensive agriculture and soil plowing, driven by financial incentives, degrade bee habitats and threaten the biodiversity upon which bees depend. Pesticides, like neonicotinoids, disrupt bee behavior, impairing their ability to navigate and pollinate.

In Portugal, beekeeping is ofte... direct government assistance.

In Portugal, beekeeping is often overshadowed by more privileged agricultural sectors. This lack of recognition and support is starkly contrasted by the situation in neighboring countries like France and Spain, where beekeepers receive direct government assistance.

Comb partially destroyed by the action of wax moths.

Honeycomb laden with nectar.

Due to the constant threats, vi...ctions to maintain hive health.

Due to the constant threats, visits to the apiaries must be frequent, ensuring thorough inspections to maintain hive health.

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Thumbnail of Leonardo, is a natural beekeeper_called Dlapmel in the West area.

Thumbnail of He tended to his beehives on his_into a lifelong passion for him.

Thumbnail of The decline in bee populations i_disappearance of these insects.

Thumbnail of Bee swarms are more common in sp_rious times throughout the year.

Thumbnail of Bees play a vital role in the na_f many other species. - he says.

Thumbnail of Climate Crisis Buzz: Portuguese Beekeepers

Thumbnail of Honeycombs constructed by the bees.

Thumbnail of In adverse weather conditions su_onies and ensure their survival.

Thumbnail of A professional beekeeper, Tom&am_ the biodiversity they support.

Thumbnail of Tomas readies the smoker ahead of his hive inspection.

Thumbnail of Environmental issues further com_ility to navigate and pollinate.

Thumbnail of In Portugal, beekeeping is often_e direct government assistance.

Thumbnail of Comb partially destroyed by the action of wax moths.

Thumbnail of Honeycomb laden with nectar.

Thumbnail of Due to the constant threats, vis_ections to maintain hive health.

Public Story

Climate Crisis Buzz: Portuguese Beekeepers

Copyright Francisco Melim 2024

Updated Feb 2024

Location Portugal

Topics Agriculture, Animals, Climate Change, Documentary, Health/Healing, Personal Projects, Photography, Photojournalism, Portrait, Portraiture, Reportage

Summary

In Portugal, beekeeper Leonardo faces the daunting challenge of protecting his hives amidst climate change's threats. Erratic weather, forest fires, and invasive species are driving bee populations down. Despite minimal support, Leonardo and fellow beekeepers like Tomás Brito remain dedicated to their cause. Their efforts are crucial, as bees play a vital role in ecosystems and food production, making their protection imperative for Portugal's future.

In the scenic region of Mafra, Portugal, beekeeper Leonardo tends to his hives daily, battling the effects of climate change on his honey production. Like many beekeepers across Portugal, Leonardo faces a growing challenge: safeguarding bees in the face of climate change's threats.

The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident in Portuguese ecosystems, and bees are among the first victims of this impact. Unpredictable weather patterns, devastating forest fires, and the invasive presence of the Asian hornet have contributed to the decline in bee populations. Additionally, diseases like swarm fungus have further affected colony health, leading to food shortages and essential nutrients for these vital insects.

However, the challenge faced by beekeepers is not only environmental. In Portugal, beekeeping is often overlooked compared to other agricultural sectors. While beekeepers in neighboring countries like France and Spain receive direct government assistance, large agricultural companies benefit from the "pollination subsidy" here. This lack of recognition and support highlights the economic challenges faced by beekeepers in their struggle to protect bees.

Furthermore, intensive agricultural practices, such as pesticide use and excessive soil plowing, further contribute to the decline in bee populations by degrading their natural habitats and threatening biodiversity.

However, there is hope. Beekeepers like Tomás Brito are dedicating their lives to protecting these precious pollinators. Despite the financial and environmental challenges, they remain steadfast in ensuring a sustainable future for bees and all life that depends on them.
As a professional beekeeper, Tomás emphasizes the disparity in treatment between farmers and beekeepers when it comes to community subsidies. Despite these obstacles, his journey exemplifies a commitment to protecting these vital pollinators and the biodiversity they support.

Bees play a critical role in our ecosystems and food production. Their decline could have a devastating impact on the entire food chain and biodiversity. This underscores the need to reassess how we value these small guardians of the environment and those dedicated to their protection. The silent buzz of bees is an echo of the vitality of nature we all share, deserving our attention and support. - words from Tomas.