Report by Martina ​​Žoldoš, correspondent in Slovenia, edit by Jet van Fessem

Beekeeping, or apiculture as it is officially called, is a VERY Slovenian thing. Slovenians have a soft spot for bees and a long history of beekeeping. Not just for the honey, but also for the therapeutic effects of bees: all over the country therapeutic beehives are being installed that help to relieve stress and anxiety. The bees, as little as they are, have several great healing powers. The honey can be used to eat, but also for massages. And honey has an antibacterial effect. The humming of the bees calms the nerves and there is something in the beehive air that has a favorable effect on our respiratory system. Another kind of bee-therapy is to get stung, it helps with rheumatism. Slovenia has many beekeepers and also a developing apitourism: people coming to Slovenia to relax and even sleep with bees in special beehives.
Metropolis’ correspondent Martina went to the firefighters of Celje. At first glance, firefighting and beekeeping do not have much to do with each other, but here in Celje they do. Firefighter work is full of stress, during interventions firefighters are exposed to many severe traumas, they are on high adrenaline levels, and encounter severe injuries to participants, fatalities, and this certainly leaves deep traces in the subconscious of firefighters. Psychological help is organized on several levels, but additional help is always welcome. So they brought in the bees, some years ago. And with the help of bees, the firefighters will overcome stress more easily, both by working with bees, by inhaling, humming bees and with bee products.