Huambo: Honey production in the municipality of Cuima, located in Angola's southcentral province of Huambo, has played a significant role in curbing the indiscriminate felling of trees and uncontrolled burning, according to Celestino Chifelo, administrator of the beekeeping cooperative. On Friday, Chifelo shared insights into how this initiative has transformed both the environment and the livelihoods of local families. According to Angola Press News Agency, the honey production project involves 98 members, each representing a family previously reliant on charcoal production-a practice that heavily exploited forest resources. The cooperative was established nearly two years ago with technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at José Eduardo dos Santos University. Chifelo emphasized that the cooperative was created to promote ecosystem preservation and encourage the diversification of the rural economy through sustainable activities. On average, th e cooperative produces 118 liters of refined honey monthly, which is packaged in glass jars and sold in major markets across Huambo province. The administrator further explained that the use of specialized beekeeping equipment, along with technical guidance from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, has ensured product quality and production continuity. Beyond honey, the cooperative also produces jams and preserves from local wild fruits, specifically loengo and maboque, as well as charcoal briquettes, which serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal. Chifelo highlighted that these activities have led to a behavioral shift among cooperative members; many have moved away from practices such as indiscriminate tree felling and uncontrolled burning, opting instead to focus on beekeeping and environmental conservation initiatives. This shift has improved the living conditions of member families by boosting incomes and creating new economic opportunities within the community. Despite these succ esses, Chifelo pointed out that a lack of funding remains the primary barrier to increasing production capacity. Additionally, poor access roads and insufficient transport hinder the movement of produce to market. Nevertheless, the cooperative is legally registered and holds concession rights for its operational areas, enabling access to credit lines for business expansion. Located in the village of Catchindongo, 54 kilometers from Cuima's municipal seat, the Essunga Liogunja Cooperative stands as a testament to the potential of beekeeping to drive rural economic diversification and environmental conservation.