Released on April 21, 2014
Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) researcher Dr. Cory Sheffield recently led an international workshop in Daman, Nepal on native bee conservation and pollination for apple growers in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas.
Dr. Sheffield, a renowned expert on bees and pollination, delivered the workshop, which included participants from Canada, Nepal, India and Pakistan, funded through the CS Fund on behalf of the Marin Community Foundation and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It was implemented through the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) and the Global Pollination Project.
“The goal of FAO is to provide additional food security and facilitate economic growth and development through sustainable and dependable apple pollination provided by the various native bees,” Dr. Sheffield said. “In the workshop we showed local producers ways to increase yields and the quality of their apples by protecting native species and maintaining their natural habitat.”
“It reflects extremely well on the RSM that it has researchers of the stature of Dr. Sheffield who are known internationally as being at the top of their fields,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “As Saskatchewan continues to grow, it highlights the diversity of careers and research being done in Saskatchewan and the opportunities that are available here.”
For Dr. Sheffield, an important part of the workshop was the two-way dialogue and knowledge sharing with producers. What he learned will impact his work in Saskatchewan. The information will continue to add to his research on how natural pollination can contribute to food security worldwide.
“The knowledge we gained from the workshop will form a framework for comparing pollinator communities across the world, and teaching sustainable crop pollination that will be used in Saskatchewan and elsewhere,” Dr. Sheffield said.
Founded in 1906, the RSM strives to cultivate interest in and knowledge of Saskatchewan’s natural and cultural history through research, exhibits and programs.
The RSM is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Admission is by donation. Go to www.royalsaskmuseum.ca to learn more.
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For more information, contact:
Sean St. George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635