9D8N: Dive Into The World Of Stingless Bees Conservation

Disclaimer:

At Better Together Indonesia, we believe in sustainable community development. Charging a fee for volunteer opportunities enables volunteers to invest time and money directly into communities, fostering long-term impact. Approximately 80% of the fee directly benefits communities and covers operational expenses, ensuring quality programs. This fee structure fosters commitment and accountability among volunteers, maximizing effectiveness. Additionally, it ensures the safety and security of volunteers during their engagement. This investment in risk management fosters a conducive environment for impactful volunteering experiences, reducing potential liabilities, and enhancing overall program effectiveness.

About The Package

Stingless bees of the Trigona species play a pivotal role in ecological, economic, and cultural realms. They serve as primary pollinators for numerous tropical plants, both wild and cultivated, excelling particularly in the pollination of small-sized flowers due to their diminutive physique, a task beyond the capacity of larger honey bee counterparts.

The decline in forested areas, attributed to activities such as illegal logging and urban expansion, has led to a significant reduction in the natural habitats of stingless bees. This decline has been paralleled by a marked decrease in yields of estate crops such as coconut, coffee, and cacao, hinting at disruptions within the pollination process.

In response to these challenges, a community initiative named PLORA has emerged in North Lombok. Employing bamboo and wood to craft artificial hives, PLORA fosters stingless bee colonies, facilitating the harvesting of honey and propolis. Moreover, a portion of the bee population is reintroduced into forested areas to uphold ecosystem equilibrium. Concurrently, efforts in riverbank reforestation and cultivation of floral sources of pollen and nectar support the sustenance of these colonies.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport Pickup and Lombok Wildlife Park Tour. Upon arrival at Lombok International Airport, be greeted by our team and embark on a tour of the enchanting Lombok Wildlife Park, immersing yourself in the wonders of nature before settling into your accommodation.

Day 2: Hives Making. Engage in the art of stingless bee cultivation as you participate in building hives, transferring colonies, and monitoring their well-being, ensuring their thriving existence in their new habitat.

Day 3: Floral Session. Learn the secrets of preparing pollen and nectar sources for stingless bees, contributing to their sustenance and the flourishing of their colonies through soil preparation, organic composting, and gardening.

Day 4: River Conservation. Embark on a journey of reforestation along the riverbanks, planting trees to restore the natural habitat of wild colonies, and safeguarding the ecosystem's vitality with local NGOs and government support.

Day 5: Natural Spring Conservation. Join hands in the protection and conservation of natural springs by planting protective tree seedlings, vital for sustaining clean water sources and supporting local communities' water needs.

Day 6: Honey Hunting and Colony Release. Experience the thrill of forest honey hunting alongside seasoned professionals, showcasing physical prowess and forest knowledge, culminating in the release of propagated colonies into the wild.

Day 7: Honey Harvesting and Farewell Party. Participate in hygienic honey harvesting, processing, and packaging, delving into additional honey-based product crafting with the assistance of local women. Conclude your journey with a heartfelt farewell party filled with traditional dance, music, and local delicacies.

Day 8: Drop-Off. Bid farewell as our team ensures your safe journey to the airport, providing assistance, certificates, souvenir packs, and cherished memories captured through professional photography and videography.

Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 10 individuals, with preference given to floral enthusiasts, bee researchers, forest activists, and related fields. Training is provided for first-timers, ensuring an enriching experience for all.

Include:

1. Airport Pickup and Drop-Off: Hassle-free transportation to and from Lombok International Airport consist of driver fee for pickup, fuel, parking fee. Car Rental Capacity for 10 persons.
2. Welcome Merchandise: Receive a Goody Bag and Flower Necklaces upon arrival.
3. Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable lodging throughout the program. Accommodation for Volunteers, Interpreters, and PIC (Person in Charge)
4. Lombok Wildlife Park Tour: Explore the wildlife park and enjoy lunch consist of entrance fee + lunch at Lombok Wildlife Park, transportation, videographer services.
5. Hives Making: Engage in building hives and transferring colonies consist of building materials, assembling equipment, rubber gloves, transportation (scooter), fuel (scooter), T-Shirt and Hat for volunteers.
6. Floral Session: Learn to prepare pollen and nectar sources consist of full board for floral session, non-plastic polybag making materials, rubber gloves, T-Shirt for volunteers.
7. River Conservation: Participate in reforestation efforts consist of tree seeds, rubber gloves, T-Shirt and hat for volunteers and porters.
8. Natural Spring Conservation: Contribute to planting protective tree seedlings consist of tree seeds, rubber gloves, T-Shirt for volunteers and porters.
9. Honey Hunting and Colony Release: Experience forest honey hunting and release propagated colonies consist of wild honey harvesting equipment, safety gear, stingless bee colonies, rubber gloves, T-Shirt and hat for volunteers and experts.
10. Honey Harvesting and Processing: Learn to harvest honey hygienically and make honey-based products consist of full board for honey harvesting, harvest equipment, honey-based product materials, rubber gloves, T-Shirt for volunteers.
11. Farewell Party: Attend a traditional farewell party with locals.

Exclude:

1. Personal Expenses: Additional expenses such as souvenirs, personal items, and extra activities not specified in the itinerary.
2. Airfare: Transportation to Lombok International Airport is not included.
3. Travel Insurance: Participants are advised to arrange their travel insurance coverage.
4. Meals: While some meals may be provided during activities, participants are responsible for their meals during free time.
5. Tips and Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff are not included but are appreciated.
6. Optional Transportation: Transportation for personal excursions beyond the program's scope.
7. Visa Fees: Visa fees or any additional documentation required for entry into Indonesia are the responsibility of the participant.
8. Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses incurred during the program are not covered.
9. Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package.
10. Personal Gear: Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor activities.

Reserve your spot today for further itinerary/price and become a steward of nature's delicate wonders!

* Prices subject to currency exchange fluctuations.