Syrian beekeeping expert set to create a buzz as keynote speaker at BVA Members’ Day 2018

Speaking at BVA’s annual Members' Day, to be held at the National STEM Learning Centre, in York, Dr Alsous will give a unique perspective on bee medicine and agriculture in Syria and the UK. He will also share his personal story, including how he set up The Buzz Project to support other refugees and jobseekers in the UK.

Once the head of the bee department at the Agricultural Institute at Damascus University, Dr Alsous was forced to flee Syria in 2013, abandoning his 200 hives and his research into beekeeping and environmental pollution, after his family received death threats and his car was bombed. He joined his wife in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and, through the generous donation of a hive and a small colony of black bees was eventually able to establish a new apiary.

He was encouraged to renew his beekeeping efforts when his research about the quantity of total bee colonies around the UK revealed a huge deficit in numbers compared to the total area and the flowers available. He was also shocked to find that 90% of total honey consumed in the UK is imported. In 2015 he went on to establish the Buzz Project, in Kirklees, which aims to help refugees and job seekers in Yorkshire find a place and purpose in the community by keeping bees.

Dr Alsous said: “I am delighted to be invited to address the veterinary profession at BVA Members’ Day in September. I’m looking forward to sharing my insights into bee medicine here and in Syria and my vision and improvement plan for bees in the UK. Bees have always been my passion and helping the bees of Britain is my way of saying thank you to a country which has given my family so much.

“We know that bees play an amazing and vital role in the environment but I also believe that they are good for the soul. That is why I set up the Buzz project. I know from personal experience that many refugees have an enormous amount to offer and contribute but may struggle to find their place in the local community. The same is often true of people who have been out of work for a long time. Looking after bees is a real skill, but it’s also a responsibility and through this experience the Buzz Project aims to support the volunteers in that first step getting back into the community.”

British Veterinary Association President John Fishwick said: "It will be a privilege to hear Dr Alsous share his extraordinary story and describe how beekeeping is providing a lifeline for refugees and jobseekers in Yorkshire. I am delighted that members joining us at this year’s BVA Members’ Day in York will be able to hear his fascinating and unique perspective on bee medicine and agriculture in Syria and the UK, as well as his innovative work with the Buzz Project. This is an excellent example of a One Health initiative, improving the health of the native bee population and simultaneously supporting the local community.”

BVA Members’ Day is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of the veterinary profession and includes BVA's prestigious awards ceremony. BVA awards are given in recognition of the various ways its members contribute to the advancement of the profession and recognises the commitment of students and recent graduates who have undertaken research projects overseas. This year’s winners of BVA’s popular photography competition will also be unveiled.

BVA’s AGM will also be held on the day, during which the new BVA officer team will be elected with Simon Doherty nominated by BVA Council to become President, Daniella dos Santos nominated by BVA Council to become Junior Vice President, and John Fishwick to become Senior Vice President.

Tickets for BVA Members’ Day 2018 are free but must be reserved through the BVA website as places are limited.