The vulnerability of Mediterranean beekeeping to climate change

Abstract Beekeeping is being impacted by climate change in the Mediterranean region. Examining the vulnerability of beekeeping to climate change is highly relevant not only due to the pollination services that honeybees provide; but also in terms of food security. To provide a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability of beekeeping to climate change, here we examined the exposure of beekeeping to climate drivers and the adaptation strategies undertaken by beekeepers in Mediterranean Spain. In doing so, we reviewed the scientific literature and performed focus groups with experts to identify the main drivers occurring and afterwards assess the beekeepers’ perceptions. The study discloses the complex nature of the vulnerability of Mediterranean beekeeping, with climate change being a contributing driver. While the specialized literature tends to highlight the spread of diseases, the spread of species hostile to honeybees, habitat loss and fragmentation, intoxication by both pesticides and acaricides, the colony collapse disorder, as well as climate change. The results of this work point that the transformations occurring within the socio-economic and policy domains tend to be dismissed. Results also point that the vulnerability of honeybees and beekeeping is not only characterized by the existence of multiple transformations, but also by the huge and diverse adaptation capacity of beekeepers. Diversification, Mobility, Intensification, Agroecology and Cooperation are the main groups of adaptation strategies identified. Finally, we also found that honeybee operations of different size rely on different adaptation strategies. This is highly relevant in terms of policymaking, since policy makers need to consider this diversity of farming practices when developing appropriate climate policies.