AZE.US
More than 100 beekeepers in Azerbaijan’s northwestern Balakan District have been unable to reach nearly 4,000 bee colonies after flooding destroyed the road leading to their apiaries.
Heavy rainfall in early July caused the Qatikhchay River to overflow, washing away a road used by beekeepers to access their farms. The apiaries are located near a protected natural area administered by the Zagatala State Nature Reserve.
The beekeepers say they have been cut off from their colonies for more than 25 days, leaving them unable to harvest honey or carry out seasonal treatment against mites and other threats.
“Our bees have been left without care. The honey must be collected, and the colonies must be treated, but we cannot reach them,” one beekeeper said.
The farmers say they are prepared to build a temporary alternative road of about 50 meters at their own expense. However, they claim reserve officials have not authorized the work because the proposed route lies within a specially protected area.
According to the beekeepers, the road could be built without harming the surrounding environment. They warned that further delays could result in serious losses and the death of some colonies.
The farmers also raised concerns about emergency access, saying that firefighters and other rescue services would face similar difficulties reaching the area if a wildfire or another emergency occurred.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said any intervention within a specially protected natural area must comply with existing legislation and conservation rules.
The ministry said the issue was being reviewed jointly with the Zagatala District Executive Authority and the Biodiversity Protection Service, with possible alternative solutions under consideration.
The Balakan District Executive Authority said officials had inspected the area and were continuing to monitor the situation.
AZE.US