Title: The contribution of the forest road network to the spatial organisation of nomadic beekeeping

Authors: Apostolos Kantartzis; Simeon Marnasidis; Christodoulos Daoutis; Christina Moulogianni; Stergios Tampekis; Garyfallos Arabatzis

Addresses: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou Str., 68200 Orestiada, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou Str., 68200 Orestiada, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou Str., 68200 Orestiada, Greece ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Management, Agricultural University of Athens, 3 Dimokratias Str., 36100, Karpenisi, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou Str., 68200 Orestiada, Greece

Abstract: In this study, the effect of the forest road network to the spatial organisation and management of nomadic beekeeping is investigated. The study was performed in conditions of Greece. For the selection of suitable apiary sites for hive placement, we have used internationally accepted criteria in compliance with the legal requirements regulating apiary siting. After the eligible area for hives placement was calculated and mapped, we examined how the scenario of constructing new forest roads may affect the exploitation of the research area covered with Paliurus shrubs. From the results of this study can be concluded that new roads can improve the spatial distribution of apiaries, a fact that is expected to result in high yields and profitability. Moreover, the authors propose, in parallel with the planning of new roads, the construction of apiary sites with enrichment bee flora, which will ultimately evolve into well managed bee parks. As there are no similar studies concerning the direct effect of forest roads in beekeeping activities, future studies should support specific developing plans by conducting a cost-benefit analysis.

Keywords: forest road network; beekeeping; spatial organisation of apiary sites; apiculture development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2023.127537

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2023 Vol.9 No.1, pp.41 - 55

Received: 20 Jul 2022
Accepted: 09 Aug 2022
Published online: 07 Dec 2022 *