Golden Bee Award Recognizes ITF’s Beekeeping Initiative for Mine Victims
On May 20, 2024, ITF Enhancing Human Security had the honor of receiving an award at the Golden Bee Award ceremony, held at Jable Castle near Mengeš, Slovenia. This event, marking World Bee Day, was hosted by the Republic of Slovenia and presided over by the President, Nataša Pirc Musar, who presented the award to ITF’s Director, Amb. Tomaž Lovrenčič.
The Golden Bee Award, Slovenia’s highest state accolade in the field of pollinator protection, celebrates outstanding achievements in promoting the role of bees and other pollinators in food security, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental preservation. The top honor was awarded to the Australian Wheen Bee Foundation for its exceptional contributions to promoting the role of pollinators in food security and environmental sustainability. ITF was recognized for its innovative project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which empowers landmine survivors through beekeeping.
This initiative, implemented in partnership with UDAS and the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, provides survivors with the tools and training needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Beekeeping not only offers a source of income but also fosters resilience, inclusion, and recovery among those affected by landmines. The project exemplifies how practical and environmentally focused approaches can support vulnerable communities while contributing to the protection of pollinators and ecosystems.
President Pirc Musar emphasized the importance of pollinators to global environmental and food security agendas, praising all recipients for their efforts in advancing these vital causes. ITF extends its gratitude to the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose financial support has been instrumental in making this initiative a success.
This recognition underscores the significance of integrating sustainability into humanitarian efforts and reaffirms ITF’s commitment to fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.