Product Offerings
Products:
Honey Products: Stingless Bee Honey, Raw Honey
Personal Care: Honey Soap, Honey Balm, Honey Lotion, Honey Shampoo
Bee Products: Propolis Extract, Bee Colonies, Bee Hives
Media Gallery
Beekeeping for Mangrove Conservation in Thailand
Ban Nai Nang Stingless Bee Community Enterprise is a socially driven organization located in Ban Nai Nang village, Ao Luek District, Krabi Province, Thailand. The enterprise was established with a mission to create sustainable livelihoods for local communities through the cultivation and commercialization of stingless bee products, while also contributing to the preservation of mangrove forests.
Core Business and Mission
The community enterprise focuses on beekeeping with stingless bees (Meliponini), which are native to the region and thrive in mangrove ecosystems. The bees produce a unique type of honey with medicinal properties, prized for its antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. The organization not only harvests and sells honey but also offers a diversified range of value-added products, including personal care items like honey soap, balm, shampoo, and lotion, as well as propolis extracts and stingless bee colonies.
The initiative was founded as part of a mangrove conservation program and is supported by Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and international NGOs. It combines environmental preservation with income generation for locals, positioning itself as a model for community-based ecotourism and conservation.
Product Offerings
- Stingless Bee Honey – Raw, nutrient-rich honey known for its health benefits.
- Honey Soap, Lotion, Balm, Shampoo – Natural cosmetics incorporating stingless bee honey and propolis.
- Propolis Extract – Valued for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Bee Colonies and Hives – Sold to other communities and farmers looking to start sustainable beekeeping.
Specialization and USP
Ban Nai Nang specializes in:
- Stingless Bee Honey Production using organic and traditional methods.
- Environmental Sustainability, leveraging the bees' natural role in mangrove pollination.
- Community Empowerment, with profits supporting over 40 households in the region.
- Eco-tourism Integration, offering tours and workshops to tourists and researchers.
Their USP lies in the fusion of ecological conservation with high-value, organic honey products that are rarely found in mass markets. The honey has been featured in several academic and environmental case studies due to its unique composition and health benefits.
Financial and Economic Impact
Though formal financial statements are not published, third-party reports and development agency case studies highlight measurable impacts:
- Over 40 households have improved income through participation in the bee farm.
- Reported monthly revenues of 60,000–100,000 THB (approx. $1,700–$2,800 USD), depending on tourist seasons and honey yield.
- Export-ready packaging and branding initiatives are underway, supported by local government programs.
Shipment and Export Insights
According to anecdotal data from trade development programs and NGO reports:
- The enterprise has conducted small-scale international shipments of stingless bee honey to Japan, Singapore, and Germany through special interest groups and eco-product fairs.
- Estimated annual exports valued at $5,000–$8,000, mostly facilitated by NGOs and exhibitions rather than traditional commercial logistics.
Target Market
- Eco-conscious consumers looking for organic and functional health products.
- Tourists and local visitors engaged in sustainable travel and product-based experiences.
- Retailers and wellness stores seeking exotic and high-margin natural products.
- Environmental NGOs and academic researchers studying pollination and conservation.
Capabilities
- In-house honey extraction, filtration, and packaging units.
- On-site soap and balm production using traditional cold-process techniques.
- Educational and experiential tours offered in English and Thai.
- Bee colony breeding expertise shared with other communities.
Certifications and Compliance
- Participates in Thailand’s Community Enterprise Certification Scheme.
- Undergoes regular inspection by Krabi Provincial Agricultural Office.
- Complies with Thai FDA regulations for honey and cosmetic product sales.
- Training and development received from UNDP’s Mangroves for the Future program.
Customer Testimonials
- “Visiting the bee farm was a highlight of our eco-tour in Krabi. The honey is delicious, and I loved the soap.” – Tourist review from TripAdvisor.
- “Their stingless bee products are top-notch and support conservation – a win-win!” – NGO representative, as quoted in WWF blog.
Major Achievements
- Recognized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for integrating biodiversity conservation into livelihood strategies.
- Featured in a documentary by ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.
- Participated in the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards showcase.
- Conducted knowledge transfer workshops with communities from Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Received grants from local government for facility upgrades and branding.
Ban Nai Nang Stingless Bee Community Enterprise stands as a prime example of how biodiversity preservation, economic development, and social equity can be harmonized through local ingenuity and international cooperation.