URBAN MELIPONICULTURE
Led by expert instructor Dr. Azmir Ahmad, the workshop was intentionally kept intimate, hosting a cohort of five participants. This small group setting ensured highly personalised guidance, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the intricate details of establishing a bee colony in a standard residential neighbourhood.
Understanding Heterotrigona itama: The core curriculum centred on a highly resilient and productive species of stingless bee native to the region. Dr. Azmir provided a comprehensive theoretical foundation, guiding participants through:
- Anatomy & Behavior: Characteristics that make them ideal and safe for neighbourhood environments.
- Nest Architecture: Internal structure of the hives and unique propolis pots used to store honey and pollen.
- Sustenance: Specific botanical sources required for nectar, pollen, and essential resins for defense.
By breaking down the ecological needs of the species, Dr. Azmir ensured that participants understood not just how to keep the bees alive, but how to help a home-based colony thrive.
The highlight was the transition to hands-on application, equipping participants with practical skills to start their own stingless beekeeping journeys. The session culminated in an exciting demonstration where attendees safely extracted honey from delicate propolis pots without damaging the hive.
"To celebrate their new skills, participants were treated to a tasting session, sampling the freshly harvested stingless bee honey directly from the source—a highly sought-after liquid known for its unique, tangy, and complex flavor profile."
Fostering Sustainability
By empowering individuals with the skills to cultivate Heterotrigona itama in their own backyards, the Kulliyyah of Nursing continues to promote initiatives that bridge the gap between human health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Gallery of Activities
Glimpses from the exclusive, hands-on workshop guiding our participants from classroom theory to practical honey extraction.