Nominating the Bee Trees of Ramagovindapura as a World Heritage Site

Abstract

For more than 15 years the banyan and peepal (Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa) trees of Ramagovindapura have hosted hundreds of colonies of the Giant Asian Honey Bee (Apis dorsata). The pollinating efforts of these bees have (according to the villagers) increased the crop yields of the surrounding area, their defecation flights have enhanced soil fertility and they have put the village on the map as a tourist attraction less than 40 kilometers from the Indian city of Bangalore. An opportunity exists to set aside and protect these valuable natural treasures as a World Heritage Site (WHS); a long and burdensome project. At one point in 2008 there were plans on the books to turn the areas into Special Economic Zones slated for development; local beekeepers and ecologists managed to organize and thwart the plan. However, as long as the area exists unprotected there will be threats such as the “New Integrated Townships in the Bangalore Metropolitan Region” proposal which may threaten the area. These plans, which are opposed by the agricultural residents of the Nandagudi township and the village of Ramagovindapura, are most likely not in the best interests of the bees nor the local farmers. As part of their agenda, the recently formed organization, “Indian Pollinator Initiative” (IPI), has decided to pursue the nomination of this important area for recognition as a World Heritage Site. IPI is eliciting support from entomological societies, apicultural associations, nature groups and ecology advocates. This paper documents the current status, the imminent threats and the way forward to nomination.