KA Report: International Meeting for Young Beekeepers

Competitors waving their flags in the desert

Natalie Phillips, (2023 MBiol Biology) writes:

As a Biologist, my passion for ecology and conservation was ignited in secondary school when I joined a beekeeping club. This early interest led me to earn my junior certificate in beekeeping and represent England in the International Meeting for Young Beekeepers (IMYB).

The IMYB, a non-profit event held every one to two years, brings young beekeepers together to share knowledge and sustainable practices. I attended twice as a participant and my experiences boosted my confidence, founded lasting friendships, and significantly contributed to my journey to Oxford.

In December 2024, I returned to the IMYB in Dubai, UAE, as a facilitator. The Keble Association grant covered my transport costs and made this opportunity accessible to me. I was responsible for two teams — Malta and Northern Ireland — ensuring their smooth participation throughout the event.

Me riding a camel!

The first evening we were given a lecture by Dr Saad Masry about beekeeping in arid lands, the theme of this year’s event. Honeybees are not native to the UAE, so each year Western honeybees, Apis mellifera, are imported to hives, before dying due to extreme conditions. I learnt that due to very low rainfall and extreme heat, many hives do not survive summer, so there has been lots of research into creating a new breed of honeybee that can withstand the extreme conditions.

Throughout the following days, we had talks from climate activists, members of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and even someone from the Ministry of Climate Change. Competitors took part in various tasks judged by renowned beekeepers and researchers, and got to try the unique honey from Sidr, mangrove, Samar and Ghaf desert plants. Evening cultural presentations allowed us to experience the diverse traditions of the participants.

Beyond the conference, we visited local beehives, embarked on a desert safari where we spotted an Arabian oryx, and experienced traditional henna art. This immersive experience deepened my knowledge of desert ecosystem beekeeping and provided valuable skills for my future in biology.

The IMYB in Dubai was a fulfilling opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much, while continuing to learn and grow in my field of interest. I am grateful for the Keble Association’s support in allowing me to participate as a facilitator. The cultural and educational enrichment I gained is invaluable, providing me with experience and skills necessary to pursue my studies and career in biology.