A New Beekeeping Center Creates Opportunities for Mine Victims
Developed by the Association of Persons with Disabilities OSI MEN Hercegovina, the center offers mine victims a space to learn, exchange knowledge and develop beekeeping as an opportunity for income generation and greater independence.
The opening brought together mine victims, representatives of local institutions and partners supporting the initiative, including Dr Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of the Republic of Slovenia; Marija Buhač, President of the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton; ITF Director, Ambassador Tomaž Lovrenčič; Adam Lorenz, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina; OSI MEN President Milenko Dolić; and project initiator Oliver Soldo.
For the people involved, the center is about more than just beekeeping. It provides opportunities to develop practical skills, produce and promote honey and other products, and explore activities such as apitourism. It also creates a place for people to meet, share experiences and remain active in their communities. The initiative builds on earlier ITF projects supporting mine-victim beekeepers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the exchange of beekeeping knowledge and experience with partners in Slovenia.
The center is one example of how victim assistance can extend beyond immediate medical and rehabilitation needs, supporting livelihoods, social participation and long-term recovery. For mine victims and their families, having the opportunity to develop a skill into a source of income can make an important difference in rebuilding everyday life after injury.
The opening was made possible through the support of the Czech Republic and the Republic of Korea, whose contributions have helped turn a local initiative into a lasting space for training, economic opportunity and community connection. Their support, together with the initiative and dedication of OSI MEN and its partners, is helping create practical opportunities for mine victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.