Nepal has a long and rich history with its elephants mainly for religious purposes. Although most of the Asian elephants found here are domesticated some are wild and roam free. As with many other countries, unstable weather events and expanding human settlement have placed wildlife and humans at odds.

However, our beehive fences are making a positive impact in Nepal. Here they are being used to reduce human-elephant conflict as well as provide an alternative source of income for some of the communities affected through the harvesting of elephant-friendly honey.

The team first had a preliminary meeting with the farmers to show how the concept of beehive fencing worked. They conducted beekeeping training to the concerned farmers and then helped them to build the beehive fences. The farmers were also made familiar with other benefits of beekeeping. From the fifteen hives making up the beehive fence installed at the farm, the farmers have been able to harvest honey twice so far, collecting 45kgs of honey per harvest! The elephant-friendly honey was sold in the local market providing added income for the farmers.

The beehive fence, as an elephant deterrent to protect homes and farms, has had a positive result in Nepal. Out of two raids after the installation of the beehive fence, elephants were unsuccessful at entering the farms and accessing the home, where sacks of rice were previously raided. The community experienced regular crop raids in previous years but found hope in this eco-deterrent which was easily accepted with a great response.