ASIR — Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to enhance beekeeping and honey production programs in the Asir region—supporting the development of the agricultural sector while improving productivity and quality. The Asir branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture organized a specialized workshop, which attracted over 100 beekeepers, on Saturday in Muhayil Asir Governorate titled “Queen Bee Rearing.” **media[2687391]** The workshop was held in collaboration with the Saudi Reef Program, Khamis Mushait Municipality, the Muhayil Asir Beekeepers Cooperative, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It focused on delivering both scientific and practical content on modern methods of queen bee rearing, genetic improvement, colony multiplication, and hive management and disease prevention. Engineer Mohammed Al Atif, Director General of the ministry’s branch in the region, emphasized that these training programs are part of ongoing efforts to develop the beekeeping sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices. **media[2687395]** These initiatives reflect a government-driven approach to supporting small-scale producers and developing value chains within the honey sector through agricultural guidance, specialized training, and access to financing. The Kingdom is also strengthening partnerships with international organizations to leverage global expertise and apply it locally. Beyond economic value, the Kingdom’s focus on beekeeping aligns with its broader environmental efforts. The importance of bees is reflected in Islamic tradition, with an entire chapter of the Qur’an — Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) — highlighting their role and significance in nature, showcasing how they sustain ecosystems and agricultural systems and act as a natural indicator of environmental health. **media[2687390]** They are also essential to soil and land stability, as pollination supports plant growth that helps prevent soil erosion and land degradation—both important in Saudi Arabia’s arid and semi-arid environments. Bees also enable the reproduction of wild plants that maintain biodiversity and natural habitats. Healthy bee populations, as Saudi Arabia is trying to enhance, support entire ecosystems and food chains. **media[2687393]** This ecological role directly ties into food security, as reduced pollination would significantly impact the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s agriculture and farming sector. These efforts come as Saudi Arabia continues to advance its environmental agenda, including the rehabilitation of more than one million hectares of degraded land—reinforcing ecosystem resilience and enhancing vegetation cover across the Kingdom. **media[2687392]**