The XVIII International Congress "Bee and Human: Russia and Friendly Countries"
Advancing Beekeeping Science and Strengthening International Partnerships.
The XVIII International Congress "Bee and Human: Russia and Friendly Countries"
The XVIII International Congress titled "Bee and Human: Russia and Friendly Countries" was held in Moscow and brought together more than 1,200 people. For the first time, representatives of the beekeeping community from 35 countries on four continents came to Moscow. Among them: Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Gabon, Georgia, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, China, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Turkey, Oman, Morocco.
The opening ceremony of the Congress was attended by: the head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation faction in the State Duma G.A. Zyuganov, the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Agrarian Issues V.I. Kashin, the head of the Beekeeping Union O.K. Chupakhina, and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
As part of the program, the participants discussed current issues in beekeeping, disease control, and the development of beekeeping in the context of sustainable development.
The opening ceremony of the Congress was attended by: the head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation faction in the State Duma G.A. Zyuganov, the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Agrarian Issues V.I. Kashin, the head of the Beekeeping Union O.K. Chupakhina, and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
As part of the program, the participants discussed current issues in beekeeping, disease control, and the development of beekeeping in the context of sustainable development.
Фото: Любовь Морева (Русское географическое общество)
Mr. Nazir Magsi, representing the Multinational Association of Academic Collaboration, in collaboration with Assefa Amaldegn from the Ethiopian Apiculture Development Association, played a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the Ethiopian delegation at the congress. The delegation was represented by esteemed scholars Dr. Abera Belay Shume (Ph.D) from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and Dr. Tessema Aynalem Abejew (Ph.D) from Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT).
Throughout their visit, the Ethiopian delegation received comprehensive support from Agrobioprom, a key partner in fostering international cooperation in agricultural research and development. Mr. Nazir Magsi provided invaluable assistance, ensuring a seamless experience for the delegation—from coordinating their stay in Moscow to facilitating high-impact discussions and networking opportunities with industry experts, academic leaders, and policymakers.
The engagements facilitated by Mr. Magsi not only strengthened academic and research ties between Ethiopia and other participating nations but also laid the foundation for future collaborations in apiculture, technology transfer, and sustainable agricultural practices. His efforts contributed significantly to the success of the delegation’s participation, reinforcing the importance of international academic exchange in driving innovation and development.
Throughout their visit, the Ethiopian delegation received comprehensive support from Agrobioprom, a key partner in fostering international cooperation in agricultural research and development. Mr. Nazir Magsi provided invaluable assistance, ensuring a seamless experience for the delegation—from coordinating their stay in Moscow to facilitating high-impact discussions and networking opportunities with industry experts, academic leaders, and policymakers.
The engagements facilitated by Mr. Magsi not only strengthened academic and research ties between Ethiopia and other participating nations but also laid the foundation for future collaborations in apiculture, technology transfer, and sustainable agricultural practices. His efforts contributed significantly to the success of the delegation’s participation, reinforcing the importance of international academic exchange in driving innovation and development.
Tessema Aynalem Abejew (PhD) at The XVIII International Congress "Bee and Human: Russia and Friendly Countries"
Tessema Aynalem Abejew (PhD) presented report on topic: "Enhancing honey quality, colony and beekeepers’ safety through the use of modified red-light source during colony inspection in the dark"
Introduction
The study was conducted in the northwestern part of Ethiopia at the Andassa Livestock Research Centre apiary site. Ethiopia boasts over 10 million honeybee colonies, most of which are inspected internally at night for honey harvesting. During these nocturnal harvests, beekeepers use white light-emitting batteries that attract worker bees towards them, leading to bee stings and bee deaths. This prompts beekeepers to use more smoke to repel the bees, which in turn affects the quality of the honey.
Objective and methodology
The aim of this study was to identify suitable battery colors for nighttime inspection of Ethiopian Apis mellifera local honey bee races, with the goal of minimizing bee stings on beekeepers, reducing worker bee deaths, and improving the smokiness of harvested honey. Three identical batteries with different colors were used to identify the optimal battery color for nighttime honeybee colony inspections. Each color treatment was randomly assigned to two medium, two strong, and two very strong honeybee colonies. The treatments were replicated six times, using a total of nine transitional and nine frame hives during the flowering season.
Result and conclusion
The study revealed significant differences among the colors emitted by the battery lights in their ability to attract worker bees. Using an ordinary battery modified to emit red light during nighttime internal honeybee colony inspections for honey harvest highly reduced bee stings, calmed aggressive bees, avoided excessive smoke use, decreased the smoky odor of honey, and minimized honey contamination with microscopic soot. This method can be applied to all honeybee ecotypes inspected at nighttime in Africa and globally.
Introduction
The study was conducted in the northwestern part of Ethiopia at the Andassa Livestock Research Centre apiary site. Ethiopia boasts over 10 million honeybee colonies, most of which are inspected internally at night for honey harvesting. During these nocturnal harvests, beekeepers use white light-emitting batteries that attract worker bees towards them, leading to bee stings and bee deaths. This prompts beekeepers to use more smoke to repel the bees, which in turn affects the quality of the honey.
Objective and methodology
The aim of this study was to identify suitable battery colors for nighttime inspection of Ethiopian Apis mellifera local honey bee races, with the goal of minimizing bee stings on beekeepers, reducing worker bee deaths, and improving the smokiness of harvested honey. Three identical batteries with different colors were used to identify the optimal battery color for nighttime honeybee colony inspections. Each color treatment was randomly assigned to two medium, two strong, and two very strong honeybee colonies. The treatments were replicated six times, using a total of nine transitional and nine frame hives during the flowering season.
Result and conclusion
The study revealed significant differences among the colors emitted by the battery lights in their ability to attract worker bees. Using an ordinary battery modified to emit red light during nighttime internal honeybee colony inspections for honey harvest highly reduced bee stings, calmed aggressive bees, avoided excessive smoke use, decreased the smoky odor of honey, and minimized honey contamination with microscopic soot. This method can be applied to all honeybee ecotypes inspected at nighttime in Africa and globally.
Abera Belay Shume (Ph.D) at The XVIII International Congress "Bee and Human: Russia and Friendly Countries"
Abera Belay Shume (Ph.D) presented topic: "Therapeutic Potential of Ethiopian Monofloral Honeys: Antioxidant Properties, Apoptotic Effects on HepG2 Cells, and Crossover Clinical Trial on Postprandial Glycemia"
Background
Ethiopia has a vast apicultural resource. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential, apoptotic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and postprandial glycemia index of Ethiopian monofloral honeys.
Methods
The botanical origins of nine monofloral honeys were identified using melissopalynology and specific rotation techniques. Bioactive compounds were isolated through solid-phase extraction and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Antioxidant fractions were extracted and applied to HepG2 cells at varying concentrations to assess apoptosis via cell viability assays. In a crossover clinical trial, eight monofloral honeys and reference glucose were fed to ten healthy participants (25 g available carbohydrate) following an 11-hour fast. Blood glucose levels were measured over two hours, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to determine GI values.
Results
Ethiopian monofloral honeys are found to contain bioactive compounds. Significant differences were found in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents across the honeys. Croton macrostachyus had the highest polyphenol content (713.90 ± 5.63 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid content (17.95 ± 1.67 mg QE/100 g), significantly differing (p < 0.01) from all other honeys. It also showed the highest FRAP (60.19 ± 2.47) and peroxide scavenging (97.36 ± 1.39) activities. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed between Syzygium guineense and other honeys. Syzygium guineense honey demonstrated the highest antioxidant and apoptotic activities against HepG2 cells (IC50: 0.71 mg/mL), while Schefflera abyssinica exhibited the lowest (IC50: 3.31 mg/mL). In the crossover clinical trial, Acacia honey had the lowest glycemic index (GI: 54.73), while Schefflera abyssinica had the highest GI (71.90).
Conclusion
Ethiopian monofloral honeys demonstrate diverse therapeutic potential, with antioxidant and apoptotic properties varying by floral origin. Their glycemic response also differs significantly.
Background
Ethiopia has a vast apicultural resource. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential, apoptotic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and postprandial glycemia index of Ethiopian monofloral honeys.
Methods
The botanical origins of nine monofloral honeys were identified using melissopalynology and specific rotation techniques. Bioactive compounds were isolated through solid-phase extraction and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Antioxidant fractions were extracted and applied to HepG2 cells at varying concentrations to assess apoptosis via cell viability assays. In a crossover clinical trial, eight monofloral honeys and reference glucose were fed to ten healthy participants (25 g available carbohydrate) following an 11-hour fast. Blood glucose levels were measured over two hours, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to determine GI values.
Results
Ethiopian monofloral honeys are found to contain bioactive compounds. Significant differences were found in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents across the honeys. Croton macrostachyus had the highest polyphenol content (713.90 ± 5.63 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid content (17.95 ± 1.67 mg QE/100 g), significantly differing (p < 0.01) from all other honeys. It also showed the highest FRAP (60.19 ± 2.47) and peroxide scavenging (97.36 ± 1.39) activities. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed between Syzygium guineense and other honeys. Syzygium guineense honey demonstrated the highest antioxidant and apoptotic activities against HepG2 cells (IC50: 0.71 mg/mL), while Schefflera abyssinica exhibited the lowest (IC50: 3.31 mg/mL). In the crossover clinical trial, Acacia honey had the lowest glycemic index (GI: 54.73), while Schefflera abyssinica had the highest GI (71.90).
Conclusion
Ethiopian monofloral honeys demonstrate diverse therapeutic potential, with antioxidant and apoptotic properties varying by floral origin. Their glycemic response also differs significantly.
On the third day of the international delegation's stay in Moscow, the Multinational Association of Academic Collaboration (MAAC) organized a visit to the National Center of Russia, offering a rich cultural experience to guests from various countries. This immersive program provided an opportunity for participants to explore Russia’s historical, architectural, and gastronomic heritage while fostering cultural exchange among academic and professional representatives from around the world.
As part of the carefully curated program, the delegation attended the architectural exhibition "Birth of Scale," where they gained insights into Russia’s architectural evolution, innovative urban planning, and historical restoration efforts. The guests also explored Gastronomic Rows, a vibrant showcase of traditional and contemporary Russian cuisine, where they had the opportunity to experience regional flavors and learn about the significance of food in Russian culture. Additionally, they visited the beautifully restored Department Store, a historical landmark blending classical elegance with modern retail innovation.
In the evening, the delegation attended the Multi-genre music program "Maslenitsa: Time of Traditions" a spectacular celebration of the iconic Russian festival. Through lively performances, traditional music, and theatrical displays, the event highlighted the deep-rooted customs and festive spirit of Maslenitsa, providing the visitors with a profound appreciation of Russian folklore and seasonal traditions.
This cultural exchange not only enriched the delegation’s understanding of Russia’s artistic and historical legacy but also fostered meaningful dialogue on the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international academic and professional ties. The visit left a lasting impression on the guests, reinforcing the importance of cross-cultural engagement in global collaboration.
As part of the carefully curated program, the delegation attended the architectural exhibition "Birth of Scale," where they gained insights into Russia’s architectural evolution, innovative urban planning, and historical restoration efforts. The guests also explored Gastronomic Rows, a vibrant showcase of traditional and contemporary Russian cuisine, where they had the opportunity to experience regional flavors and learn about the significance of food in Russian culture. Additionally, they visited the beautifully restored Department Store, a historical landmark blending classical elegance with modern retail innovation.
In the evening, the delegation attended the Multi-genre music program "Maslenitsa: Time of Traditions" a spectacular celebration of the iconic Russian festival. Through lively performances, traditional music, and theatrical displays, the event highlighted the deep-rooted customs and festive spirit of Maslenitsa, providing the visitors with a profound appreciation of Russian folklore and seasonal traditions.
This cultural exchange not only enriched the delegation’s understanding of Russia’s artistic and historical legacy but also fostered meaningful dialogue on the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international academic and professional ties. The visit left a lasting impression on the guests, reinforcing the importance of cross-cultural engagement in global collaboration.
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"The exposition is magnificent. Here, you can see the development of Russian architecture from its origins to the present day. I was especially impressed by the wooden architecture of churches and temples. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit. Ethiopia and Russia have long-standing close ties: we cooperate in education and medicine, and we have a Russian hospital in Addis Ababa. We gain a lot from this collaboration, and the experience acquired here is truly valuable,"
@ Credits of photo goes to Russia.ru
