The bees and beekeepers of Gorongosa National Park won a Best in Category Award for Liquid Dark Honey during a regional competition held in South Africa. The certificate of excellence was accepted by Gorongosa chief honey processor, Juvencio Antonio.
Gorongosa honey can vary from dark to ruby-gold, or light, depending on the plants and the season.
"We work with beekeepers in five districts which means traveling long distances in remote areas", said Sofia Molina, general manager of Produtos da Gorongosa. "The jobs involved in harvesting and processing honey have a positive impact on our local communities and the environment."
The Gorongosa honey project supports over 450 beekeepers. More than 1,500 new hives were distributed to local beekeepers in 2022, with 41 women new to the program trained in beehive construction, hive population, native plants and honey processing.
Beekeeping is one of several agroforestry projects funded by the Gorongosa Restoration Project to help build a sustainable economy, create jobs, restore the rainforest, and protect the biodiversity of Gorongosa Park.