On February 20th, an international seminar titled “Planetary Health Through Beekeeping” was held at the Yeh Kuo-Shii Global Friendship Center on Nagasaki University’s Bunkyo Campus. We welcomed Dr. Francisca Kilonzi, a graduate of our university’s doctoral program, the current Program Manager at the Equity Group Foundation, and a lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, to speak. Dr. Kilonzi presented on initiatives in Kenya that utilize beekeeping to promote environmental conservation and improve local livelihoods.

During the seminar, she introduced ongoing efforts in Kitui County, an area heavily affected by climate change, in which local residents have established a cooperative and are developing a sustainable community through beekeeping. She explained using extensive local data and photographs how beekeeping can function not only for honey production but also as a “Nature-based Solution” that contributes to biodiversity conservation, reduction of deforestation, income generation, and improvements in community health.

During the networking session, participants from diverse academic fields enjoyed Kenyan honey tasting and light refreshments, providing an opportunity to deepen cross-disciplinary exchange and build international connections.

This event was organized by the Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology of Nagasaki University and co-hosted by NUGAN (Nagasaki University Global Alumni Network). NUGAN will continue to plan and support similar international activities in the future.
Furthermore, the invitation of the speaker was supported by the International Collaborative Research Support Program for Alumni Networks.

Dr. Francisca Kilonzi

Seminar

Tasting Kenyan honey

Dr. Kilonzi and Kenyan students

Group Photo

Reference: Nagasaki University Planetary Health Special Website https://www.plh.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/