Economic contribution by bees in relation to the forest: a case study in Pahang and Malacca

This paper highlight the important role played by bees not only in the production of honey and its related products but pollination, eco-tourism and its socio-economic contribution. Data used for analysis were gathered through field studies and conducting surveys with the wild honey collectors, apiculturist, domestic and foreign tourists as well as other relevant parties. Survey on wild honey collectors was conducted in the state of Pahang in 2006. Meanwhile, the visitors` survey to the Bees Museum in Ayer Keroh, Melaka used to gauge the visitors` willingness to pay (WTP0 was conducted in early 2007. Honey bees belong to the order of insects of the genus Apis. Honey is not the only product from the bees. Other bees` products include pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax and venom. Collection of wild honey in Malaysia is mainly obtained from the honey bees` species, Apis dorsatawhile cultured honey, Apis melifera and to a lesser extent, Apis cerana. Wild honey collection brings in an additional income of RM 300-600 per trip to the collectors, mainly the indigenous group. Besides the production of honey and its related products, bees because of the large population, being easily managed and moved to crop sites are the most effective and efficient pollinators as compared to bats, birds, wind, water, etc. The study also indicated that an apiculturist in Melaka leased boxes of bees` hives for the pollination of crops like watermelons, honeydews, dragon fruits and guavas at RM 200 per box for 2 weeks. The apiculturist not only obtained rental but also the production of honey from the hives. Meanwhile, the lesee (farmers) also found that their crop yields increased by 15% with this sevice. To estimate the economic value of the role of bees in eco-tourism, a survey was conducted as the Bees Museum in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. The survey indicated that an average person is willing to pay (WTP) RM1.67 as entrance fee. If tour agencies or the Forestry Department could provide a tour package for the tourist to experience the collection of wild honey from Tualang trees in the forest, the WTP is RM 45.70. This lays the potential of bees not only for their products and pollination services but also for eco-tourism.