CREATING A NEW FEDERATION

for the cross-border conservation of Apis mellifera mellifera

Almost 30 years have passed since the foundation of SICAMM in 1994. During this time 14 international SICAMM conferences and one digital conference have been organised. These summits have always been highly appreciated and over the years the number of associated organisations as well as the number of participants has increased.

Since SICAMM was founded, the number of challenges for conservation of the dark bee has significantly increased. Moreover, the awareness of beekeepers has shifted to more sustainable beekeeping practices and a wish to integrate the newest scientific insights.

In brief, the demands and wishes of keepers of Apis mellifera mellifera and their organisations have changed.

INVITATION TO DARK BEE ORGANISATIONS:

Take your seat @ the SICAMM table
  • In 2018 at the SICAMM Conference in Finland, a demand for increased engagement and support for keepers of the Dark Bee across Europe was expressed.
  • In 2023 at the conference in France, we were able to re-new the team and take on the task to develop the NEW SICAMM organisation.

Since then, we have taken action and are pleased to invite you to become part of this new international federation of Dark Bee Organisations.

THE PURPOSE OF SICAMM:

To promote natural biodiversity of native dark honey bees

by creating awareness, sharing knowledge and connecting beekeepers, researchers and conservationists.

Photo: CONALL MCCAUGHEY (IE)

JOINING SICAMM: THE BENEFITS

Advantages of cooperating and taking conservation to a higher, European, level.

Bi-Annual Conference continues to exist

A unique summit for professional, hobby beekeepers and scientists to discuss ‘all matters’ around the dark bee.

Best practices

Encouraging the exchange of best practices on the keeping & breeding of Dark bees.

Support for research

Support research on the Dark Bee by bringing scientists and beekeepers together.

Comprehensible information

Access to practical beekeeping and research articles presented in understandable language.

Exchange between members

Exchange of dark bee news and information between member organisations and other interested parties.

Influencing decision makers

Political lobbying and campaigning on behalf of the Dark Bee at European level and supporting national and regional level lobbying.

No need to reinvent the wheel

SICAMM enables access and the exchange of promotional material about the Dark Bee.

Awareness and urgency

Helping to increase the awareness of the importance of conserving the Dark Bee and its native genetic diversity.

CURRENTLY REGISTERED FOR THE KICK-OFF:

Organisations from European countries where A.m.m. is the native honey bee
Registered attendees: 55
Representing this number of organisations: 27
From this number of countries: 14
This is where attendeed are coming from

THE KICK-OFF MEETING

Details of this informative meeting

When?

January 11, 2024

🕕 18:00 GMT
🕖 19:00  CET
🕗 20:00 EET

For who?

For representatives of Dark Bee conservation and breeding organisations.

Where?

Online. We will send the meeting link to all participants via email.

What's on the Agenda?

The new SICAMM federation structure and membership options and what SICAMM membership could mean for your organisation.

Will I receive more info?

Yes, if you register for the kick-off before the 19th of December we can send you additional information before X-mas

If you haven't decided yet

That’s perfectly OK. The kick-off and our team are here to help you make a well-considered decision later!

SICAMM CONTACT INFO

HQ in the heart of Europe

The new SICAMM will officially be located in Switzerland. The current (interim) team consists of people from the UK, Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. We will introduce ourselves soon!

Website: www.sicamm.org

You can still find old information about SICAMM and it’s conferences here. It will be be replaced by a new website soon!

info@sicamm.org

Feel free to use this address, or use the mailform below for your enquiries.

Photo: CONALL MCCAUGHEY (IE)

GET IN TOUCH

Share your questions and opinions!

We’d love to know what you think about the new SICAMM. Does it inspire you? Feel free to tell us your expectations, doubts and wishes.

    ARE YOU AN INDIVIDUAL BEEKEEPER?

    Wanting to know where SICAMM is heading?

    SICAMM is about to become a federation of organsiations and scientists who are active in the conservation and breeding of the Native European Dark Honeybee: Apis mellifera mellifera.

    You as an individual beekeeper are important to us! Are you interested to know what’s going on now and in the future? We would love to meet you at the next SICAMM conference, which will take place in ’25!

    Feel free to sign up for our ‘Dark Bee Beekepers Newsletter’!