For over two decades, Magda Miloseska found joy in tending to her bees in the picturesque village of Stence, nestled in the western mountains of North Macedonia. The summers, bathed in sunshine and surrounded by magnificent mountain views, were the perfect backdrop for her beekeeping endeavors.
However, recent climate shifts have turned this sweet hobby into a challenging battle. \"These days, we have to fight the climate conditions,\" says Miloseska. \"Then there are the diseases that have entered our environment.\"
June temperatures have soared above 30 degrees Celsius, a stark three degrees higher than the seasonal average. This heat has taken a toll on honey production. \"Older beekeepers say they used to get 30 to 50 kilograms of honey from one beehive,\" Miloseska explains. \"In this period, with these climate conditions, that has decreased substantially.\"
The impact extends beyond producers. Consumers are also feeling the sting as honey prices in North Macedonia have surged by more than 50 percent compared to three years ago.
Reference(s):
Beekeepers feel the sting as climate change hits North Macedonia
cgtn.com
