Keystone Foundation Archives

Items

• Carrying the ladder
  A video of honey hunters preparing and carrying their forest vine based ladder to the appropriate position to begin honey hunting
• Adjusting the ladder
  A video of Honey Hunters adjusting the ladder to bring into a better position with respect to the honey combs
• Hives on a cliff
  Photo of a few hives under a cliff
• Strengthening Livelihood_2002
  The document discusses the efforts of The Keystone Foundation, an NGO in southern India's Nilgiri Hills, to support indigenous communities, particularly the Kurumbas, who rely on honey hunting and beekeeping for their livelihoods. It highlights the challenges these communities face, such as declining honey hunting skills and lack of recognition, while detailing how the Foundation has implemented projects to improve honey extraction techniques, enhance product quality, and establish better market access. The narrative emphasizes the cultural significance of honey hunting, the importance of community involvement in development processes, and the potential of beekeeping to connect various aspects of rural development, ultimately advocating for a more integrated approach to sustainable livelihoods that considers the diverse needs of these communities.
• Working with Indigenous Communities in the Nilgiris of Southern India
  The document discusses the efforts of The Keystone Foundation, an NGO focused on improving the livelihoods of indigenous communities, particularly honey hunters and beekeepers in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It highlights the cultural significance and declining practice of honey hunting among the Kurumba tribe, who rely on this activity for their livelihoods. The Foundation's approach includes enhancing honey extraction techniques, improving market access, and addressing challenges such as lack of recognition and fair pricing for honey products. Through community engagement and capacity building, the Foundation aims to create sustainable development pathways that integrate beekeeping with broader natural resource management and economic opportunities for these communities. Issues faced by honeyhunting communities in the Nilgiris
• Honey Hunters of The Nilgiris: The Road to Sustainability
  An account of the communities, stories and techniques related to honey hunting in the Nilgiris
• The Honeyhunters of Tamil Nadu: Climbing Through a Period of Change
  Based on the report 'Honeyhunters and Beekeepers of Tamil Nadu - A Survey Document, Keystone, October 1994'. The provides an insight into the lives of honeyhunters and beekeepers.
• Honey Hunters and Beekeepers of Tamil Nadu
  The document presents a survey on honey hunters and beekeepers in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the significance of these activities in rural development and the sustainable use of natural resources. It discusses the traditional practices of various tribal groups engaged in honey hunting and beekeeping, emphasizing their cultural connections and the challenges they face due to modernization, land use changes, and economic pressures. The document details the ecological and socio-economic implications of these practices, noting the importance of indigenous bees and the impact of external factors on the livelihoods of these communities. It also addresses the need for appropriate technology and management strategies to support tribal beekeepers while preserving their cultural heritage and ecological balance. Primary survey of TN Honey hunters. 16 tribal communities and surveyed 11 hill areas To see the status of beekeeping and honey hunting skills and issues related to bees and the environment
• Handbook on Honey Hunting and Beekeeping
  The document explores the traditional practice of honey hunting among indigenous communities in the Nilgiri region of India, highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of this activity. It describes the rich biodiversity of the area, particularly the habitats of the Giant Rock Bees, which are crucial for honey production. The document contrasts different honey hunting techniques, such as tree and cliff hunting, and emphasizes the socio-cultural rituals and beliefs surrounding the practice, including the respect for bees and the environment. It also discusses the economic aspects of honey harvesting, the tools used, and the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the survival of both the bees and the traditional knowledge of the honey hunters. Overall, it illustrates how honey hunting is intertwined with the identity and livelihoods of the local communities while promoting conservation and respect for nature.