Nepal's Wild Honey Boom: Exploring the Sweet and Sour Dynamics

Of late, the demand of wild honey from Nepal, which is also popularly referred to as “cliff honey” or “Himalayan cliff honey” or “raw honey” has surged dramatically both domestically and internationally. Intriguingly, it has gained a greater popularity in the global market than domestically. This is partly due to cultural differences in honey consumption: while honey is primarily used for medicinal purposes in Nepal, it is a common dietary item in Western countries, where the allure of the wild honey is heightened by its exotic Himalayan origin.

Reasons Behind the Surge

Firstly, the wild honey, a rare and precious delicacy, is the unique nectar produced by the giant honeybee known as Apis laboriosa. This extraordinary honey is found in the remote mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Its distinct flavor and taste, which is characterized by a rich, floral sweetness with hints of exotic spices and a lingering aftertaste, sets it apart from other honey varieties that exist across the world.

Secondly, it is believed to possess potential medicinal properties.  It has natural healing powers to treat various ailments. The contents of the honey enriched with antioxidants is believed to strengthen the immune system; help in digestion, and promote overall well-being. People in the Himalayas have long been using this kind of honey as a potential natural remedy for certain infections and inflammatory conditions since it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Behind the allure of this honey is the death-defying adventurous nature of its harvest, which further contributes to the mystique surrounding it. Local skilled honey hunters scale treacherous cliffs and navigate dense forests in search of wild honeybee hives. Honey hunting is not merely a process but a tradition followed by Gurung and other tribal communities over centuries. Honey hunters require immense skill, courage, and a deep understanding of the bees' behavior. They often use smoke or other traditional techniques to calm the bees and safely extract the honeycombs, ensuring minimal disturbance to the bees and their delicate ecosystem. Such an adventure is a testament to the courage of honey hunters who risk their lives to extract the honey.

Tourism is a vibrant and thriving industry in Nepal that attracts millions of foreign tourists and explorers each year. Of late, honey expeditions have recently joined the ranks of the list of popular touristic pursuits and attractions for those visiting the country. Through the expedition, they seek a taste of the thrill and a connection to the ancient practice of honey hunting.

Additionally, international media coverage, including a series of documentaries on honey hunting, produced by Vice Media, Insider News, YES Theory, and PowerfulJRE and bloggers, with views range from 5 million to 12 million on YouTube.

Another reason behind the surge in demand for wild honey from Nepal is a handful of companies from Nepal, including Medicinal Mad Honey, that have been in operation for the last two decades. Their products are available on global marketplaces and websites for sale.

Expanding Horizons

Gone are the days when honey hunting was limited, and it used to be a waste when there was no exposure to the international market and lacked commercialization. Of late, honey hunting, which was limited to few places, has expanded to many. Among them, Lamjung, Gorkha, Kaski, Jajarkot, Myagdi and Dhading are the popular sites for honey hunting in Nepal. However, in places like Lamjung, honey hunting is a time-honored tradition deeply ingrained in the local culture. For others, like those in the remote district of Jajarkot, it's a lifeline, a means to escape the harsh realities of rural poverty.

Challenges

However, this rapid growth poses significant challenges. A 2003 study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) highlighted the threats to Apis laboriosa, including overexploitation, habitat loss, and unsustainable harvesting practices. The findings of this study are still relevant today since the situation remains largely unchanged over the past two decades. The transfer of bee cliff ownership to government agencies often prioritizes short-term profits over long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, agriculture, hydropower projects, and even afforestation efforts have reduced bee food sources. The influx of tourists disrupts ecosystems, and the younger generation's migration to urban areas threatens the continuation of honey hunting traditions.

Apis laboriosa is a keystone species vital to the region's biodiversity. Its decline would have far-reaching consequences. Moreover, honey hunters often receive meager returns while middlemen reap the economic benefits. 

Path forward

Nepal has a unique opportunity to transform wild honey into a sustainable economic driver. For this, conservation is paramount. Establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable harvesting, and empowering local communities is a must for preserving its natural heritage. Investing in research and bee-friendly agriculture is equally crucial.

By embracing eco-tourism, supporting community-based enterprises, and promoting fair trade, Nepal can become a global leader in sustainable honey production. The future of wild honey depends on balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

(Rashmi is a mad honey trade expert.)