Hundreds of visitors discover how bees drive entrepreneurship, innovation, biodiversity and sustainable rural development across the Mediterranean
The PLANBEE project successfully showcased its vision for a sustainable and innovative Bee Economy during the 2nd Jordan Honey Festival 2026, held from 22–26 July at Al Hussein Public Parks in Amman. Organised by the Jordanian Beekeepers Cooperative Union under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Saeb Abdulhalim Al-Khreisat, the festival brought together beekeepers, public authorities, businesses and visitors from across Jordan to celebrate the importance of bees and the beekeeping sector.
Represented in Jordan by project partner Hand in Hand for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (HIH), PLANBEE used the festival as an opportunity to communicate one of its central messages: the Bee Economy extends far beyond honey production. Through direct engagement with visitors, the project demonstrated how beekeeping contributes to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, rural tourism, innovation, women’s entrepreneurship and local economic development.
Over the five-day event, the PLANBEE Pavilion welcomed 128 visitors, including beekeepers, honey producers, entrepreneurs, students and members of the public. Visitors learned about the project’s activities, upcoming opportunities and its wider objective of creating a more resilient and competitive beekeeping sector across the Mediterranean.
Approximately 200 information brochures were distributed, introducing visitors to the PLANBEE project and the Med Queen Bee initiative while raising awareness of the opportunities offered through European-funded cooperation. The festival also served as an important platform to encourage greater participation from beekeepers, women entrepreneurs and young people interested in entering the sector.
Throughout the event, visitors explored several flagship PLANBEE initiatives, including:
Beyond promoting its activities, the festival enabled PLANBEE to engage directly with beekeepers, entrepreneurs and sector stakeholders, gathering valuable feedback, identifying emerging needs and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. These exchanges will help ensure that future project activities remain closely aligned with the realities of the sector and maximise their long-term impact.
Participation in Jordan’s largest honey festival represents another important milestone for PLANBEE in promoting the Bee Economy as an integrated ecosystem that generates environmental, social and economic value. By connecting sustainable beekeeping with entrepreneurship, tourism, innovation and community development, the project continues to demonstrate that bees play a vital role not only in food production and biodiversity, but also in building more resilient rural economies throughout the Mediterranean.
PLANBEE extends its appreciation to the Jordanian Beekeepers Cooperative Union for organising this successful national event and thanks all visitors, beekeepers and stakeholders who visited the PLANBEE Pavilion. The project looks forward to continuing its activities and strengthening cooperation with local and regional partners to unlock new opportunities for the beekeeping sector.
Last Update
28/07/2026
Next Med