Climate

The women keeping Uttarakhand’s native bees alive

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 20/10/2026, 18:09:24 UTC.

Briefings

In rural Uttarakhand, India, women like Saraswati Devi maintain indigenous Apis cerana indica bee colonies in wall hives, creating a unique interdependence between households and bees. This practice is central to conservation efforts against declining bee populations driven by climate change, habitat fragmentation, and new bee introductions. Saraswati sings traditional 'faag' songs at weddings to attract bees, which visit homes with children but avoid those without. The article highlights this cultural and ecological connection, though specific decline statistics and future projections remain unconfirmed.

Key points

• Women in Uttarakhand maintain indigenous Apis cerana indica bee colonies in wall hives, with Saraswati Devi singing traditional faag songs to attract bees to homes with children.
• Decline in bee populations is attributed to climate change, habitat fragmentation, and inadequate nutrition, making household rearing a key conservation strategy.

Context

This article documents a cultural practice in Uttarakhand where women actively conserve indigenous bee species through traditional song rituals and household integration, highlighting a unique ecological interdependence in the Himalayas.

Limitations

Specific decline statistics, population trends, and future conservation projections are not provided. The evidence focuses on current practices and cultural context rather than quantitative data or long-term forecasts.

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