For generations, honey has been collected by the community in the Mutis-Timau forest landscape in West Timor, Indonesia. Every year, community members travel great distances back to their sacred homeland when nature signals it is time to collect the honey. Combining traditional and religious beliefs, the people sing to the bees and pray for a bountiful and safe harvest.
Research by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has found the Mutis-Timau honey harvest to be a success story for sustainable community forestry. The tradition complements national policy on forest conservation, is environmentally sustainable, and provides income for local livelihoods.
