Irna 

'Iran, as one of the leading countries in honey industry, has a long-established tradition on bee-keeping and during recent years could successfully increase its annual production of honey and is now the third largest honey producer in the world,' FAO's representative to Iran said Monday evening.

Addressing the ceremony of World Bee Day at Slovenian embassy in Tehran, Gerold Bödeker noted that the recent flash floods in various parts of Iran damaged a huge number of bee colonies that might result in a significant reduction of the product.

He also highlighted the importance of insurance in the beekeeping industry by saying that only about 10 percent of the damage was under insurance coverage.

'Observing World Bee Day on 20 May each year presents an opportunity to recognize the essential role of beekeeping, bees and other pollinators in increasing food security, improving nutrition and fighting hunger as well as in providing key ecosystem services for agriculture,' he added at his speech at Slovenian embassy in Tehran.

'We are looking forward to increase collaboration with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other national and international partners in beekeeping sector to contribute to global food security, food safety, and nutrition security, and preserving the environment and biodiversity,' the FAO representative said. 

Slovenia's embassy hosted the 2nd celebration of the World Bee Day in Tehran. The country took the initiative at the UN to designate the day after the pioneer Slovenian beekeeper, Anton Janša.

Ape tourism or bee tourism is the main part of the tourism industry in Slovenia. It encompasses various activities such as honey massage, culinary and visits related to honey and hives, including beekeeping museum. The little country with its magnificent landscape has been turned into the hub of agritourism in the past days, as it is the home to 10,000 beekeepers that annually produce 2,000 tons of honey. Slovenia has also preserved its native bee, the Carniolan.