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Societas Internationalis pro Conservatione
Apis melliferae melliferae
The International Federation for the Conservation of the European Dark Bee
SICAMM Conference 2025
Thank You
You came, you saw, you enjoyed !! You were great company and we had a fantastic three days together with brilliant Presentations, Posters and lunchtime & coffee-break conversations.
Top service and food from the Conference hotel, Scandic Forus Stavanger and there was the Apiary Visit and the wonderful Fjord boat trip.
A big thank you to Norsk Brunbielag, our Norwegian hosts and the City of Stavanger, who did us proud.
You can download the SICAMM Conference Proceedings here
Thank you for coming everyone and do keep in touch won’t you. Why not sign up to our irregular Newsletter ?
SICAMM - An International Federation whose primary aims are the conservation, protection and promotion of the European Dark Honey Bee.
Sicamm Conservation Statement
The SICAMM Statement for the Conservation and Restoration of the European Dark Honey Bee outlines the importance of safeguarding this native subspecies, the biological challenges it faces due to hybridisation and imports, and practical approaches to conservation and restoration across its natural European range.
You can download the full Statement and view translated versions below in your preferred language.
SICAMM & NIHBS CONFERENCE 2027
20–23 May 2027 · University of Galway, Ireland
Join SICAMM and NIHBS for a joint conference celebrating the conservation of the European dark bee, bringing together science, practical experience and shared traditions from across Europe.
Save the date — full programme and registration details coming soon.
SICAMM News
New Additions to the SICAMM International Reading List
We are pleased to announce three new additions to the SICAMM International Reading List, offering further reading for those interested in native honey bee conservation, genetics, breeding and natural history. The latest additions are: The Dark European Honey Bee – Friedrich Ruttner, Eric Milner and John E. Dews Genetic Priorities for the Conservation of Native Honey Bees – Dorian Pritchard Honey Bees: A Natural and Less Natural History – Jacques van Alphen These publications
SICAMM Editor
5 hours ago1 min read
New Genetic Research Confirms the Uniqueness of Ireland’s Native Honey Bee
New research published in Scientific Reports highlights the genetic distinctiveness of Ireland's native dark honey bees and the growing challenges posed by hybridisation. A new scientific study has provided important evidence supporting the conservation of the native dark European honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) in Ireland. The research, entitled Whole-genome sequencing data confirms the uniqueness of Ireland’s native honey bee, was published in Scientific Reports in 202
SICAMM Editor
6 hours ago2 min read
Understanding the Yellow-Legged Hornet
By Jacques J. M. van Alphen, Naturalis Biodiversity Center The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), also commonly known as the Asian hornet, has become an important concern for beekeepers and conservationists across Europe. Its rapid expansion, predatory behaviour and potential impact on pollinating insects have raised significant questions about how best to protect native biodiversity. In a detailed paper entitled Facts about the Yellow-Legged Hornet, Jacques J. M. van Alp
SICAMM Editor
6 hours ago2 min read
SICAMM & NIHBS Conference 2027 – Better Together
20–23 May 2027 · University of Galway, Ireland We’re delighted to share the news of the 2027 joint conference between SICAMM and the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS). Taking place at the University of Galway from 20–23 May 2027, the conference will bring together beekeepers, scientists and conservationists with a shared interest in the conservation of the European dark bee, Apis mellifera mellifera. Better Together — Níos fearr le chéile The conference will focus on the
SICAMM Editor
Aug 251 min read
Introducing the SICAMM International Reading List
SICAMM is pleased to introduce a new International Reading List, bringing together high-quality books, articles, research papers and other resources relevant to the conservation, science and sustainable management of the European dark honey bee.
SICAMM Editor
Aug 51 min read
SICAMM 2027 Conference in Ireland
SICAMM and NIHBS are looking forward to welcoming scientists, beekeepers and conservationists to Ireland for the 2027 SICAMM Conference.
SICAMM Editor
Aug 51 min read
The importance of
SICAMM is pleased to publish a new article by Jacques van Alphen examining the complex relationship between honeybees and other pollinating insects.
SICAMM Editor
Aug 52 min read
Give Bees a Chance!
World Bee Day – 20 May 2026 Apologies to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but our message for World Bee Day is simple: Give Bees a Chance! The European dark honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, continues to face threats from hybridisation, imported diseases and viruses, alongside an increasingly challenging environmental outlook. Protecting and conserving our native honey bee populations is at the heart of SICAMM's work. World Bee Day provides another opportunity to recognise their
SICAMM Editor
May 201 min read
NIHBS Conservation Areas
A new mapping from the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) is illustrating the growth of their conservation areas for native honey bees and how these areas are beginning to form safe havens of land in what NIHBS are calling "corridors of conservation". There are now in excess of 400 of these areas across the island of Ireland and NIHBS have just begun a campaign to achieve in excess of 500 by the close of 2026 in what they are calling. "The Race to 500". For more NIHBS i
SICAMM Editor
Mar 121 min read
Save the Date !!
The General Assembly of SICAMM will be held online on the 26/04/2026. Affiliated SICAMM Associations are invited to consider who their delegate/s might be. Individual and honorary members are very welcome to attend. More formal details follow soon...
SICAMM Editor
Mar 121 min read
Beware and Prepare for Tropilaelaps
Beware and Prepare for Tropilaelaps. We are very grateful to Maggie Gill of PHIRA Science ( https://www.phira-science.org /) for allowing us the use of her materials Photo Credit: Maggie Gill, PHIRA Science
SICAMM Editor
Mar 121 min read
Chimay "Wedding Flight", A spotlight on our European dark honey bee
Chimay "Wedding Flight", A spotlight on our European dark honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera. Well done to Mellifica BE The conservation and sustainable breeding of the European dark honey bee ( Apis mellifera mellifera ) continues to gain international attention. A recent article in The Guardian highlights the important work taking place in Chimay, Belgium, where the protected mating area established by Mellifica BE supports the breeding and preservation of this native su
SICAMM Editor
Mar 121 min read
Updates on the Sicamm Website
You may not be aware that your activities and campaigns can be featured on the Sicamm website ( www.sicamm.org ). If you are a Sicamm Association, you should also find a profile on the Members’ Profiles page. We are encouraging as many Association Members as possible to submit or update their profiles. Please keep us informed of your news and activities, and we will always try to support and promote the work you are doing. You will also notice further updates to the website,
SICAMM Editor
Feb 61 min read
IUCN lists Wild honey bees as endangered
At first glance, the following message about the IUCN's decision to place the wild honey bee on the European list of endangered species seems remarkable, because these are often wild colonies that have escaped from beekeepers and are usually a hybrid of non-native and native subspecies. This is therefore a first step towards protecting native honey bee subspecies. The second step — restoring native wild and kept honeybee populations — is difficult and requires time and the r
SICAMM Editor
Feb 61 min read
EU FREE-B Project : A Message
Dear Beekeeping clubs, associations, foundations, and societies, I would be very grateful if you could forward the short email and survey link below to your members, and to any other beekeepers who may have an opinion on the subject of wild honey bee colonies. Thank you and best wishes, Prof. Grace McCormack University of Galway On behalf of the EU FREE-B Project Dear Beekeeper, In Ireland, we observe honey bees living not only in managed hives but also in cavities in trees,
SICAMM Editor
Feb 61 min read
SICAMM Pre-Publication Conservation and Restoration Statement - Poster
Credit: Jan Gutzeit, Der Bundesverband Dunkle Biene Deutschland e.V. Germany The dark European honey bee ( Apis mellifera mellifera ) is...
SICAMM Editor
Oct 10, 20252 min read
Three Decades of SICAMM Conservation Work – Poster
Credit: Martin Feurer Mellifera CH, Switzerland For thirty years, SICAMM ( Societas Internationalis pro Conservatione Apis melliferae...
SICAMM Editor
Oct 10, 20252 min read
Protecting Our European Dark Honey Bee: A New Statement from SICAMM
A Call to Action for the European Dark Honey Bee At SICAMM, we are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and promotion of the...
SICAMM Editor
Sep 25, 20253 min read
SICAMM @ Apimondia 2025
We are delighted to announce that SICAMM will be represented at the 49th Apimondia Conference in Copenhagen this September. Since 1895,...
SICAMM Editor
Sep 25, 20251 min read
SICAMM Newsletter – September 2025 Edition
We are pleased to share the September 2025 SICAMM Newsletter , our fourth issue of the year, bringing together news, events, and...
SICAMM Editor
Sep 25, 20252 min read
German TV coverage for Amm - Jörg Schok
Germany has introduced a second Channel - Zweites Deutsches Fernseh. This is a compilation of local TV items and they have reports of...
SICAMM Editor
Sep 23, 20251 min read
Guest Article – Consolidating Efforts for Native Honey Bee Conservation in Europe
We’re pleased to share this guest perspective from Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg , founders and administrators of the...
SICAMM Editor
Aug 25, 20253 min read
SICAMM statement of support
This Statement seeks to encourage all beekeepers in Northern Ireland to sign this petition calling on the UK government to close the loophole that currently allows unregulated imports of honey bees into the UK via NI.
SICAMM Editor
Jul 26, 20251 min read
NIHBS’ Biodiversity Policy
At SICAMM, our mission is to champion the conservation of Apis mellifera mellifera by uniting beekeepers, scientists, and conservationists across Europe. As proud partners with the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS), we are thrilled to amplify their influential Policy Statement on Biodiversity.
SICAMM Editor
Jul 26, 20251 min read
Open Letter to Europe
Dear Member of the European Parliament,
On this World Bee Day, appointed by the United Nations (https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day), I am writing to you on behalf of the International Association of the European Dark Bee (SICAMM) and its Member Associations who are widely spread throughout Europe. I trust that you are aware of the vital roles of bees and other pollinators in ensuring global food security and nutrition.
SICAMM Editor
May 20, 20252 min read
Malta Came to Norway!!
SICAMM was thrilled to welcome the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee to our biannual conference, held in the...
SICAMM Editor
May 2, 20252 min read
2027 SICAMM Conference
SICAMM, the International organisation dedicated to the conservation of the European dark honey bee and The Native Irish Honey Bee...
SICAMM Editor
Apr 3, 20251 min read
SICAMM Update: New Affiliations and Board Changes
We're excited to share some significant developments within the SICAMM. Expanding Our Network We are pleased to welcome three new German...
SICAMM Editor
Apr 2, 20251 min read
SICAMM Newsletter - March 2025
We are excited to present the March 2025 edition of the SICAMM Newsletter, your go-to resource for the latest in the conservation and...
SICAMM Editor
Mar 21, 20252 min read
SICAMM Conference Programme 2025
We are excited to unveil the detailed programme for the SICAMM Conference 2025, taking place from 27th to 30th March 2025 in the...
SICAMM Editor
Feb 13, 20252 min read
SICAMM Newsletter - February 2025
We are pleased to present the February 2025 edition of the SICAMM Newsletter, your comprehensive resource for the conservation and...
SICAMM Editor
Feb 12, 20252 min read
Celebrate SICAMM's 30-Year Anniversary at the 2025 Conference
SICAMM, the International Association for the conservation of the dark European honey bee ( Apis mellifera mellifera ), is thrilled to...
SICAMM Editor
Dec 12, 20241 min read
SICAMM Membership Questionnaire
Call for Participation: SICAMM Membership Questionnaire SICAMM, the International Association dedicated to the conservation of the dark...
SICAMM Editor
Dec 11, 20241 min read
SICAMM Newsletter - December 2024
The inaugural SICAMM Newsletter is now available, providing a detailed and authoritative resource on the dark European honey bee
SICAMM Editor
Dec 11, 20241 min read
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