Selected as Excellent Afforestation Site by Korea Forest Service: 'Milwonsu Planting' Achieves Both Environmental Protection and Beekeeping Promotion

Honey Harvesting Site at a Beekeeping Farm
[Image Source=Sancheong-gun]

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[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam is actively planting melliferous trees, which serve as nectar sources for bees, capturing two goals of environmental protection and beekeeping promotion.

Sancheong-gun announced on the 30th that it will plant melliferous trees in forests covering 40ha next year, following 45ha in 2019, 50ha in 2020, and 30ha this year. Over four years, the total melliferous forest area secured will reach 165ha, with approximately 495,000 trees.

The planting of melliferous trees is being promoted mainly in Sicheon-myeon and Samjang-myeon, which are adjacent to Jirisan and have many beekeeping farms. The tree species include acacia, Hovenia dulcis (heotgae), Japanese spindle tree (cheungcheung), and Styrax japonicus (ttaeguk).

The melliferous forest plantation in Sancheong-gun was first established in 2017 in Jungtaeri, Sicheon-myeon, covering 7ha of acacia trees, known for their rich nectar and fragrance, making them one of the best melliferous species.

Since the initial establishment, additional plantings of Hovenia dulcis and other trees have been made around the plantation, and prior briefing sessions with beekeepers have been held, ensuring thorough planning from species selection to planting and post-management.

Thanks to continuous efforts in planting melliferous trees, Sancheong-gun’s melliferous forest plantation was selected as an ‘Excellent Plantation We Grew in 2021’ by the Korea Forest Service. Sancheong-gun was the only selected site in Gyeongnam this year.

This melliferous forest creation by the county aims to foster the local beekeeping industry and protect the forest environment in the Jirisan area.

Currently, about 300 beekeeping farms operate in Sancheong-gun. Including individuals or small-scale farms not registered with the Beekeeping Association, the number reaches about 350. These farms generate an estimated annual income of 30 billion KRW according to the association.

In the past, honey was the main source of income in beekeeping, but recently the industry has diversified. Products include bee pollen, which serves as bee food and is effective for fatigue recovery and dieting; propolis, known for its antioxidant properties; royal jelly; and bee venom.

The county is focusing on fostering the beekeeping industry by planting melliferous trees and providing specialized education to improve productivity and quality among the increasing number of local beekeeping farms.

A county official said, “The active melliferous tree planting project greatly helps honey production, a representative specialty of our Sancheong-gun,” adding, “Together with the Sancheong Beekeeping Association, we will continue to work to resolve difficulties faced by local beekeepers and increase their income.”

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