Amman:Hand in Hand for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship recently showcased its "Plan Bee" project during an event organized by the Interreg NEXT MED program in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Jordan. The project highlights the significance of beekeeping in enhancing local economic development and preserving biodiversity.
According to Jordan News Agency, Nawal Hassan, project director in Jordan and founder of the association, participated in a session titled "Listening to Experiences" at the event "Cooperation for a More Resilient Mediterranean Let's Unite to Make a Difference." The session was attended by European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, among other representatives from the program and Jordanian organizations involved in the projects.
Hassan emphasized that Plan Bee extends beyond mere honey production by fostering the beekeeping industry as a vital economic sector. The project aims to link environmental conservation with job creation and sustainable income, especially in rural areas. It supports more resilient communities, biodiversity protection, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities, recognizing the essential role bees play in sustaining green cover and biodiversity.
She further explained that the association aids beekeepers and rural producers by enhancing productivity, supporting existing businesses, and creating sector-related opportunities, thereby helping them sustain and expand their operations. Hassan highlighted the importance of sustainable development by engaging with local communities to understand their needs and turning available resources into economic opportunities.
Hassan also mentioned the Mediterranean region's economic challenges, which she believes do not stem from a lack of resources. The region is rich in natural and human resources that hold strategic importance, and the competition over these resources underscores their economic value.
The Plan Bee project, funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED program, involves seven organizations from six Mediterranean countries Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Its goals include fostering local economic growth via beekeeping development, encouraging eco-friendly practices, supporting beekeepers and entrepreneurs, and connecting the sector with opportunities in innovation, tourism, and new markets to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economy.