APIMONDIA

Dear Beekeepers and Researchers,

A hundred years ago the first International Apicultural Congress was held in Brussels. On the initiative of Mr. Fernand de Lalieux de la Rocq (Belgium) an organization for the International Congresses of Beekeeping was created.
This type of committee functioned permanently until 1954 and organized the first 15 International Apicultural Congresses. Later, the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations (APIMONDIA) took over and organized 19 more Congresses, which were held in close collaboration with the beekeeping federations of different countries, chosen as host countries in various parts of the world.
Rapidly, the 650 participants of the first 1897 Congress became several thousands, coming from all over the world. If there were only 24 countries represented at the second Congress in Paris (1900), at our last one in Lausanne, there were beekeepers and researchers from 76 nations who gathered together to exchange their knowledge and experience in beekeeping and apidology.
Many of the problems raised at the beginning are still occurring, some have been solved, but as beekeeping has changed, so have new problems arisen.
The globalization of economy, the rapidity of exchanges, the extraordinary development of means of communication, the impressive changes in the whole environment show the importance to everyone of the necessity to solve the problems together for the good of beekeepers and the bees.
This CENTENARY CONGRESS, organized by a small committee, will show what has been gained and surely what will be with the increasing rapidity of the diffusion of new knowledge.
Belgium is a well-known hospitable country, the town of Antwerp, with its port, is a great centre for international exchanges. Since the fifteenth century this town has been the world capital for diamonds and it has always been famous for its artistic traditions.
The organizers will do all they can to make your stay pleasant and, besides the Congress, show you the features of the town, of the beekeeping of Belgium and even of some neighbouring countries.
This information booklet will give you all the details to make your stay in Antwerp a pleasant one.
On behalf of the Executive Council of APIMONDIA, I have the great honour of inviting you to join us and hope to meet you soon.

R. BORNECK
President of APIMONDIA 

It is a great honour for the University of Antwerp to be associated with the memorable event of celebrating one hundred years of International Apicultural Congresses. Our Department of Biology has been, since its creation in 1973, involved in scientific research of many aspects of environment preservation, ecology and biodiversity, all of which are, to some extent, connected with the relationship between honeybees and their environment. Honeybee biology was an important aspect of teaching in entomology.
On behalf of the Belgian beekeeping scientists and beekeepers, I cordially invite you to take part in the XXXVth International Apicultural Congress to be held in the Congress Centre of one of the most beautiful zoological gardens in the world, situated next to Antwerp Central Station in the heart of the city, renowned for its inexhaustible cultural heritage.
A variety of scientific plenary sessions, symposia, round tables, poster sessions, technical and optional excursions, film and slide sessions, a folklore evening, a concert and the beekeeping supply exhibition "APIEXPO '97" on 2,000 m2 will make your participation particularly useful and pleasant.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Antwerp.

Prof. Dr. R. VERHEYEN
Rector-President of the Council
University of Antwerp

HONORARY COMMITTEE:

Honorary President:
L. Van Den Brande , Minister-President of the Flemish Community

Members:
F. Fischler , Member of the EU Commission, Agriculture and Rural Development
K. Pinxten , Federal Minister of Agriculture of Belgium
R. Collignon , Minister-President of the Walloon Government
G. Lutgen , Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture of the Walloon Region
A. Kinsbergen , Minister of State, Honorary Governor of the Province of Antwerp
C. Paulus , Governor of the Province of Antwerp
L. Deti&egravege , Mayor of Antwerp City
H. Keymeulen , Director of the Centre of Agricultural Research (CLO - Ghent)

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

Dr. S. Cannamela , Italy
Prof. Dr. F. Frilli , Italy
C. Tonsley , United Kingdom
H. Hansen , Denmark

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

President of the Congress:
Prof. Dr. R. Verheyen , Belgium, Rector-President of the Council, University of Antwerp, Head of the Research Group on Ethology and Nature Management, Department of Biology, U.I.A.

Vice-Presidents:
R. Borneck , France
Prof. Dr. W. Engels , Germany

Congress Executive Officer:
Prof. Dr. O. Van Laere , Belgium

Members:
Financial management and control:
R. Jannoni-Sebastianini , Italy
K. Gladines , Belgium

General management:
F. Daman , Belgium, General Director of the Zoological Society of Antwerp
Dr. W. Ritter , Germany, Tierhygienisches Institut, Freiburg
Prof. D. Degheele , Belgium, University of Ghent
Prof. J. Billen , Belgium, Catholic University of Leuven
Prof. Ch. Verstraeten , Belgium, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Gembloux
Prof. Fr. Malaisse, Belgium, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Gembloux
L. Ignoul, Belgium
M. Arnst , Belgium
A. Vandijck, Belgium
J.M. Bohet , Belgium
Et. Bruneau , Belgium, CARI, Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve
Ph. Roberti, Belgium
Dr. H.H.W. Velthuis , The Netherlands, University of Utrecht
J. Beetsma , The Netherlands, Agricultural University of Wageningen
Dr. N. Bradbear , United Kingdom
A. De Ruyter , The Netherlands, Beekeeping Research Station
Dr. R. De Clercq, Belgium, CLO-Ghent, Research Station for Nematology and Entomology, Merelbeke
Dr. L. De Wael, Belgium, CLO-Ghent, Research Station for Nematology and Entomology, Merelbeke

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME:

Presidents of the Standing Commissions:

- Beekeeping economy:
H. Watanabe, Japan
- Bee biology:
Prof. Dr. O. Van Laere, Belgium
- Bee pathology:
Dr. W. Ritter, Germany
- Melliferous flora and pollination:
Dr. M. Sommeijer, The Netherlands
- Beekeeping technology and equipment:
M. Thomas, France
- Apitherapy:
Prof. Dr. Lin Zhi-Bin, China
in collaboration with
Dr. T. Cherbuliez, USA, President of the American Apitherapy Society
- Beekeeping for rural development:
Dr. N. Bradbear, United Kingdom

Scientific Committee:

- Prof. Dr. W. Engels , Germany
- Dr. H.H.W. Velthuis , The Netherlands
- Dr. G. Arnold , France
- Prof. Dr. J.H. Dustmann , Germany
- Prof. Dr. W. Drescher , Germany
- Ing. V. Vesely , Czechia
- Prof. Dr. F. Marletto , Italy
- Prof. Dr. O. Van Laere , Belgium

Since historical times, Antwerp has been a dynamic city. It is nowadays an important commercial centre and a leading world harbour. Existing as a settlement in Roman times, it grew to become one of Europe's main economic centres in the 15th century and the absolute cultural centre in the 16th century. It is today a very important crossroads in Europe and in the world. It was elected cultural capital of Europe in 1993.
Antwerp has a rich heritage of remarkable historical buildings. The 16th century Renaissance City Hall, the Gothic "Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kathedraal" ("Our Lady's Cathedral") with its four famous paintings by Rubens, the Guild Halls, the Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, etc.
Antwerp is also the diamond centre of the world. The Provincial Diamond Museum shows more about the history and processing of diamonds.
With its 475,000 inhabitants, Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders. Ten percent of its surface (about 2,000 ha) is public park and recreational grounds.
The European motorway system links the city directly with the main urban centres of the continent: E34 Antwerp - Eindhoven; E17 Antwerp - Kortrijk - Lille - London via Calais; E19 Antwerp - Brussels - Paris; E313/E40 Antwerp - Li&egravege - Aachen - Cologne; E10 Antwerp - Breda - Amsterdam.
The train is a fast and comfortable alternative, which brings one to Antwerp's magnificent Central Station in the heart of the town (30 minutes from Brussels Airport). The Congress Centre is next to the Central Station (less than one minute's walk).
Brussels International Airport is half an hour away by car. A shuttle bus goes from Antwerp to Brussels Airport every hour between 7.00 and 23.00 hours. From Brussels, SABENA, Belgium's flag carrier, provides flights to many destinations in North America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Congress Centre is part of the Antwerp Zoological Gardens, considered among the most magnificent in the world. Four thousand animals are surrounded by a wealth of plants and flowers in an art nouveau setting. A haven of tranquillity right in the midst of the busy city centre. Numerous restaurants, hotels, shopping areas and parking facilities are within walking distance.

Talking about Belgium is, of course, talking about Brussels, the seat of the institutions of the European Union, Bruges, Antwerp and other cities with a most remarkable architectural heritage, but this is also the country where 10,000 enthusiastic beekeepers will have pleasure in helping the participants discover their country and their apiculture.

Geographical location, population and climate

Belgium is located in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere on the 51st degree of latitude. Situated in central western Europe, it is bound in the north by The Netherlands, in the east by Germany and Luxemburg, in the south by France and in the west by the North Sea. With its 30,000 sqkm surface area and 10 million inhabitants, it is one of the world's most densely populated countries. Belgium has three linguistic communities: 63% is Dutch speaking (northern part: Flanders), 36% French speaking (southern part: Walloon provinces) and 1% German speaking (Eastern-cantons). The capital, Brussels, is an official bilingual area (French - Dutch).
Influenced by the Gulf Stream, the warm Atlantic current which contributes so greatly to the mild climate of Western Europe, Belgium enjoys a maritime climate characterised by moderate temperatures, prevailing westerly winds, cloudy skies and approximately 170 days of rainfall per year, the majority of which occur in the period from April to September.

History

Like all the other European nations, for centuries Belgium has been a stake in the conflict between the forces of dissociation and the trends towards unification. Right from the outset, however, history has had to bow to the geographical imperatives of the two great rivers, the Scheldt and the Meuse, which hold the population of the Western delta in a close embrace. The Belgians were deriving full advantage from their geographical location on the ocean and the economic, cultural and political exchanges resulting therefrom. The Burgundian period coincided, five centuries ago, with the Golden Age of art in the Belgian provinces.
In 1830 the very ancient land of Belgium went through a number of reforms to become a young, modern state. The people set up a democratic constitution and placed at their head a king: Leopold I, Prince of Saxe-Cobourg. Social progress and mass education have resulted in the development, in depth and originality, of the two cultural communities forming the population of Belgium. A serried network of roads, canals and railways completely eliminated the problem of communication. It follows that strictly unitarian systems, dating back to the days of bourgeois nationalism, have been reviewed and amended in terms of new developments in Western Europe, of which they are an essential and integral part.

General vegetation and agriculture

The coast and the north-western areas form lowlands, while the south-eastern part is hilly. Next to a wide strip of sand dunes along the North Sea coast, there is a variety of soil types, ranging from sandy soil over sandy-loam soil to heavy clay soil, next to a few special soil types such as the limestone ground in the far south-east and the superficial peat-loam layers in the eastern part of the country. Of course these soil types correspond to different types of vegetation and agricultural management.
Agriculture consists generally of cereals, sugar-beet, intensive cattle breeding and the cultivation of fodder. Forestry is mainly practised in the southern part of the country, where there is a leading area of broadleaf and pine forests (light sandy soil) and an important fruit region.

Beekeeping

Main nectar flow

Belgian honey originates from around eighty melliferous plant species. The dominant types in spring are: willow, clover, fruit plants, crucifers, dandelion and hawthorn. In summer, the prevailing ones are: pseudo-acacia, lime, sweet chestnut, blackberry, fire-weed and heather. Monofloral honeys and honeydew are rare.
A recent aspect of modern agricultural management is the "set aside" of a certain percentage of agricultural land, where, in many cases, use is made of the "T&uumlbinger" seed mixture that, besides its qualities as a ground cover and structure improver, also possesses the valuable property of nectar supplier.
Belgian honey represents only a small percentage of the market. More than 80% of the honey consumed in Belgium is imported.

The role of beekeeping in pollination - Influence of pesticides

Like everywhere else, beekeeping in Belgium is an essential element for the preservation of bio-diversity. The maintenance of a considerable amount of non-cultivated plant species is only guaranteed by the presence of sufficient numbers of bee colonies scattered regularly amongst territories. As wild bee colonies are practically non-existent (due to the variability of the weather, insufficient nesting places and the relatively long winters), the numerous field and forest plants mainly depend on the presence of beekeepers to survive. Sufficient density of cultivated bee colonies has, so far, been made possible because of the high Belgian population density, through which the natural balance of bio-diversity is preserved.
One cannot deny that problems arise: the extensive use of herbicides after World War II has led to the disappearance of many non-cultivated bee plants. Frequent cases of bee mortality occurred because of the most irresponsible use of insecticides on blossoming plants. In recent years a remarkable improvement may be seen in the way herbicides and insecticides are used. As a result of the new legislation from the late eighties, banning the use of herbicides for the treatment of road verges, the growth of many herbaceous bee plants increased abundantly. The recent legislation concerning the use of insecticides entirely excludes the use of bee-toxic products on flowering, bee-attracting vegetation, while the granting of permission to sell or use pesticides comes under the strict jurisdiction of the so called "Committee of Ecotoxicologists".
From the economical point of view, beekeeping in Belgium is an essential factor for pollination in the fruit sector which, in the north-eastern part of the country, covers a vast area. Besides that, there are a number of agricultural and horticultural crops which are dependent on bee pollination, like red and white clover. Oilseed rape is at present a crop grown on a small scale.
The pollination of crops in greenhouses is of great importance. In Belgium these take up a large area. Whereas in former times the greenhouse crops were limited to the summer season, in recent years an almost total changeover to a year-long cultivation is generally noticed, for instance in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa ), raspberry (Rubus idaeus ) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ). For the pollination of tomatoes in greenhouses, a large-scale use is made of bumblebees. As a result, in order to protect pollinating insects, biological control measures have been widely developed for the control of harmful insects and mites on crops in greenhouses.

Who is practising beekeeping in Belgium?

Most Belgian beekeepers are amateurs who practise beekeeping in addition to their full-time job. The majority of them are retired, and even so beekeeping remains a side-line activity. A small number of beekeepers with a main activity in the commerce of beekeeping materials and products, could be considered as semi-professionals in beekeeping.
The average number of colonies per beekeeper is ten, with an average honey production of 11 kg per colony, with great variations ranging from 4-5 kg up to more than 50 kg per hive. Based on experience within the beekeeping associations, one can say that beekeeping is mainly done by men. Women form less than 10% of Belgian beekeepers. However, their number is obviously increasing rapidly.
The average age of the Belgian beekeeper is between 50 and 55, the average age of beekeeping beginners is between 30 and 40 years, which is remarkably higher than 40 years ago.

Bee races and breeding methods

The original native mellifera race is rarely found as a pure strain. The import of Italian queens, which reached its peak in the 1950's, has now almost disappeared and made way - mainly in the north - to the carnica . The Buckfast selection has attracted an intensive interest for around ten years. American queens are nowadays imported early in the season at low prices. Triple hybrids are rarely imported.
In the early 1970's, the Centre of Agricultural Research at Merelbeke started courses for the artificial insemination of queens. Some five years later, artificial insemination was started in beekeeping practice with varying successes. Today, several semi-professional beekeepers carry out routine inseminations and distribute large numbers of inseminated queens. All these inseminations form part of a rational and scientific selection programme. In some centres bee lines are systematically maintained, whereby each generation is tested for a number of selection criteria. Belgian and Dutch working groups are studying this subject together and are successfully putting the selection results into practice.
A small minority of beekeepers is carrying out migratory beekeeping, mostly to fruit orchards, oilseed rape and lime trees.
The majority of Belgian apiaries are covered; completely closed beehouses are rather rare.

Systems of management

Belgian beekeeping is greatly influenced by that of its neighbouring countries, resulting in a wide variety of materials and techniques.
The most widely used type of beehive in Belgium is top-opening. Back-opening beehives are rare and spread locally. The main hive types are the Dadant (high percentage in the south), Simplex, WBC and Voirnot but one finds also a large number of other types with irregular distribution. For the rest, the classical beekeeping materials are used. In most cases beekeepers have their own extractor for 3 or 4 combs. Radial extractors are rare.
The amateur beekeeper makes use of a wide variety of methods, partly based on methods described in guides, partly based on his or her own findings. In recent years a rationalization of materials and techniques has been observed, based mainly on the protection of the natural development of the colony.
In the Flemish part of the country we must mention the Section of Apiculture of the Crop Protection Department at the Centre for Agricultural Research of Merelbeke (6 km south of Ghent). Its activity is in the field of pathology, analysis of pesticide residues, pollination of protected crops and technology of artificial insemination of queens. In the French speaking part, the CARI (Centre for Apicultural Research and Information) is carrying out honey analyses, organizes training courses, is editing "Abeilles et Cie" and carries out research work on honey and pollination.

Beekeeping associations

Almost all Belgian beekeepers are members of an association. These local associations organize conferences, trips and even courses in beekeeping, thus being the local promoters of beekeeping. They are united in federations for the edition of their technical journals ("La Belgique Apicole" and "Revue de l'Union Royale des Ruchers Wallons" in French; "Maandblad van de Vlaamse Imkersbond" and "De Vlaamse Imker" in Dutch). At the national level, there are at present two legally recognized federations. It is possible that in the near future there will be changes.

Monday, 1st September - Saturday, 6th September 1997 in the "Congress Centre ZOO", Koningin Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium.
The Congress Centre is located next to Antwerp Central Station in the town centre.

The Congress will be characterized by its multilingual character. Some twenty people will be on duty at the reception desk and each of them will speak at least three languages.
Simultaneous translation from and into English, French German and Spanish will be the rule for the plenary sessions, including the opening and closing ceremonies. These sessions will also be translated simultaneously into Dutch, which is the local language, but conferences in Dutch are not accepted because our international APIMONDIA team of translators is not in a position to translate them into other languages. Translation from and into other than the above-mentioned languages will depend on the number of participants.
Simultaneous translation in French and English is foreseen for the APIMONDIA General Assembly. Scientific Symposia and Round Tables are exclusively in English.
We ask you to indicate on the registration form your spoken languages.

General theme:
"Ancient and recent history of the honeybee and beekeeping"

Bee economy
The future of the consumption of honey and other products of the bee colony

Bee biology
The honeybee and biodiversity: recent evolution

Bee pathology
Evolution towards alternative control methods of bee diseases

Melliferous flora and pollination
Bee pollination in modern developing agriculture

Beekeeping technology and equipment
Examination of products of the bee colony

Apitherapy
Beehive products: from ancient methods of treatment to modern apitherapy

Beekeeping for rural development
Facing apiculture development in the 21st century

Offices of Apimondia's President and Secretary-General, Congress President and Executive Officer: Atlanta Hotel
Permanent exhibition of scientific posters: Verlat Hall and 1st floor
Permanent Didactic-Historical Exhibition: J.F. Loos Hall
Location of the Media Centre for Beekeeping Journalists: Small Foyer
Information, Reception and Registration Desk for the various excursions: Marble Hall

Summaries should not exceed one vertical A5 page. They should be written in non-bold characters and contain successively: Title, in capitals - Author(s): initials and surname - Institute and full address - Text, with a margin of 15 mm on the four sides and computer-typed in "Times new Roman" characters (size "12"), single-space typed. They should reach the APIMONDIA General Secretariat in four copies by 28th February 1997.
Full texts should be drafted in the same way and not exceed 10,000 characters or spaces. They should reach the APIMONDIA General Secretariat in four copies by 1st June 1997.
Authors are requested to respect the topics listed above, but other theoretical and practical topics will also be welcome. Authors of reports and communications selected for presentation are required to pay the Congress registration fee as appropriate, even if they do not foresee to attend the sessions of the Congress.

E-mail submission of papers

Submission of reports may be carried out through your E-mail, using the same order and length of text as mentioned above. APIMONDIA will exchange communications through this means.
APIMONDIA E-mail address is: apimondia@mclink.it

Classification of papers

The General Secretariat in Rome will screen the papers and subsequently forward them to the different Standing Commissions which, in turn, will select them for oral or poster presentation (or eventually reject them). The authors will be informed by 31st March 1997 by the Secretary-General of APIMONDIA in Rome whether their contribution has been accepted or not.

Structure of the posters

• Title in capitals at least 22 mm high, in bold characters;
• Author(s)' name(s) at least 10 mm high, in bold characters (lower case);
• Institution, at least 8 mm high, in non-bold characters (lower case);
• Text, at least 8 mm high, in non-bold characters (lower case);
• Tables and illustrations should occupy at least 50% of the area of the poster.

The maximum space allotted to each poster will be 85 cm wide by 110 cm high. The posters must be prepared in advance and be brought personally by the authors. They will have to fix them in the position indicated.
The posters (maximum 450) should be fixed in the Verlat Hall or on the 1st floor on Sunday, 31st August or Monday morning, 1st September not later than 10 a.m. All posters will remain on exhibition until Saturday, 6th September. The authors are requested to remove them between 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, 6th September.

Presentation of the posters by the authors

During the Congress and at the times indicated in the final programme, the authors will have to be present in front of their poster to comment upon it and to answer visitors' questions.

Sale of products

APIMONDIA allows orders to be taken and the take-away sale of products during the exhibition, except for alcoholic drinks. It will be possible to exhibit alcoholic drinks in the APIEXPO '97 and serve small quantities free of charge.

Scale of charges

"Modular" Apiexpo-stands have a surface of 3 m x 3 m (= 9 m2) or a multiple of this unit. The rate per m2 is BEF 5,000, which means BEF 45,000 (VAT excluded*) per surface unit, for the period 1st-6th September 1997. This includes the stand walls, fronton with lettering, spotlights, electrical connection and carpet.
Every surface unit of 9 m2 modular stand will be charged BEF 2,600 (VAT excluded*) for a standard equipment of one table and two chairs, and electric power consumption of the standard spot illumination.
A wide variety of equipment such as furniture, refrigerator, plants, etc., will be available on application and charged separately: ask for conditions, which will be sent on request.
A limited bare surface in the open air will be available for stands with practical beekeeping materials (hives, extractors, etc.). These surface units do not include stand walls, electric power or any other accessories. The minimum surface per stand is 3 m x 10 m (= 30 m2). The rate per m2 is BEF 2,000 (VAT excluded*). The length of the stands can be increased by 2 m.

For detailed conditions for participation in the APIEXPO '97 please contact:

* VAT rate is 21% in 1997, under usual reserve of possible changes.

• State Research Station for Nematology and Entomology, Van Gansberghelaan 96, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
• University of Utrecht, Laboratory for Comparative Physiology, Centrumgebouw-Noord, Padualaan 14, PB 80086, NL-3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands;
• Agricultural University, Laboratory for Entomology, Binnenhaven 7, Postbus 8031, NL-6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands;
• Chulalongkorn University, Department of Biology, Bee Biology Research Unit, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
• Tamagawa University, Institute of Honeybee Science, Machida-Shi, Tokyo 194, Japan;
• University of Leuven, Laboratory for Entomology, Naamsestraat 53, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
• US Department of Agriculture, Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA;
• University of Georgia, Laboratory for Entomology, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
• Université Paul Sabatier, Laboratoire d' Ethologie et Psychologie Animale, CNRS - UMR 5550, Route de Narbonne 118, F-31062 Toulouse, France.

• Nine stands of six posters each on stingless bees, bumble bees, Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea , ants, social wasps, allergy to venomous insects, honeybee pheromones;
• Engravings and books;
• Numismatics and philately;
• Historical hives (with the collaboration of the Weimar Beekeeping Museum, Germany).

1. Technical inventions and developments,
2. New products, based upon products of the hive,
3. Original packaging and advertising means promoting products of the hive,
4. Films, videos and slides on beekeeping (including scientific films),
5. Photographs concerning bees and beekeeping,
6. Didactic material for teaching about bees and beekeeping,
7. Books on bees and beekeeping,
8. Journals on bees and beekeeping,
9. Philatelic collections on the subject of beekeeping,
10. Other collections on the subject of beekeeping,
11. Exhibition stands (should not be entered for the competition. The jury will judge them according to attraction, originality and quality).

An international jury will be appointed by the organizers. It will judge the works submitted as well as the exhibition stands and will propose the award of medals and diplomas.
Entries for the competition (with the exception of stands) must reach the following address by 31st March 1997 :

The entries, accompanied by at least one good photograph, should be in any European language, including a translation either into English or into French.

The following information is essential:

• Name, first name, occupation, company name, address;
• Designation of work;
• Description: - Produced by whom and where,

- Technical and functional specifications or description of content, including dimensions and weight,
- Field of use.

Films, videos, slides, photographs, journals and books for the competition should reach the above-mentioned address in Belgium not later than 30th June 1997 (films, videos and slides in one copy; photographs, journals and books in three copies). All other works or materials should be deposited in the office of the Congress General Secretariat (Atlanta Hotel, first floor) between Saturday, 30th August and mid-day of Monday, 1st September or it should be exhibited on a stand of the competitor at the APIEXPO '97.

Exhibition of the best entries

Entries selected for final consideration will be exhibited as from Friday, 5th September on a special stand provided by the organizers in the J.F. Loos Hall of the Congress Centre.

Important notice

1. An entry item will only be accepted if the participant is also registered for the Congress.
2. Collection of exhibits: items accepted may not be collected until Saturday, 6th September after the closing ceremony. They must be collected by not later than Sunday, 7th September. Any item not collected in time will automatically become the property of the organizers who may dispose of it at their discretion.
3. The organizers will not insure items. APIMONDIA declines all responsibility in connection with any possible risks with regard to the items entered for competition.

Registration fees should be paid to APIMONDIA, Rome in US dollars, ensuring that no commissions or bank charges are levied on APIMONDIA and that the net due amount is credited.
Payments may be effected by means of any of the following payment methods:

• bank transfers addressed to Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura, Rome branch, account no. 83/488/L (Swift code: NAGRITRDROM), Italy;
• cheques drawn on US banks and made payable to APIMONDIA;
• postgiros onto postal account no. 57499006.

"35th IAC - REG" and name(s) and address of the participant(s).

N.B.: To expedite the acknowledgement of the registration, please send us details and/or evidence of payment when forwarding the registration application form to APIMONDIA - Rome.

The registration fee entitles the participants in the Congress to: admission to the Congress and exhibitions including the "APIEXPO '97", participation in all sessions, Monday evening reception, technical visit (including lunch) unless registered without technical visit, Congress documents and abstracts, folklore evening and book of proceedings. Accompanying persons will not receive the entire set of documents nor the book of proceedings.

Registration cancellation
All registration fees (except for US$ 30.00) will be refunded to those who send a cancellation letter to APIMONDIA General Secretariat in Rome, by 1st June 1997. After this date, no refunds will be made.

Media accreditation
Special registration facilities will be granted to officially accredited beekeeping journalists. Candidates for these special registration facilities should apply to APIMONDIA Rome for special conditions.

Closing Banquet
The Congress banquet will be held on Friday, 5th September. It is important to note that the number of places is limited to 1,400. We therefore advise Congress participants to register for the banquet as soon as possible.

Tickets for the Concert and Closing Banquet may be reserved by paying the tickets with the registration fee or not later than 15th July. After this date, the availability of seats cannot be guaranteed.

Social Events fees (in US$)
 
 

Closing banquet	67
Concert (Symphony orchestra; payment up to 1st June)	17
Concert (Symphony orchestra; payment after 1st June)	23

Category A = Hotels in the centre of Antwerp,
Category B = Hotels in the outskirts of Antwerp,
Category C = Hotels in other Belgian cities,
Low Cost = Youth Hostels, basic accommodation, can be 3- or 4-bed rooms,
Sp. Nd. = Supplement Neighbourhood,
n.a. = not available.

Please note: we cannot guarantee these special rates for bookings made at the registration desk in Antwerp.

Some of the hotels are located in the immediate neighbourhood of the Congress Centre and for a few of them a supplement may be payable. The others can be easily reached on foot or by public transport.
Some categories do not have so many rooms available, especially the low cost ones. You are advised to be prompt in making your hotel reservation.
Special group rates (5% reduction on the individual rate) are available on demand. These are available for groups of at least 20 people, arriving and departing on the same day.

Itineraries

1. Peer and the Open Air Museum of Bokrijk
Visit to a beekeeper. "A bridge to the past" would be an adequate description of this magnificent place: in an oasis of green, you will find villages and cities as they looked hundreds of years ago.

2. Lanaken and the famous Castle of Alden Biesen
Visit to a beekeeper. The Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, founded by the German Order in 1220, consists of a castle, its frontal extensions, a tithe barn, the man&egravege, a courtyard, a church with gallery, an orangery, a hospital, historical gardens and an English landscape park and meadows.

3. Kasterlee and the Ecocentre
Visit to a beekeeper. Kasterlee is famous for its water- and windmills. Visit to the Ecocentre "De Goren". Educational centre and boat tours.

4. Kalmthout with its Arboretum and a walk through the colourful heath
This colourful 8.5 hectares (21 acres) Arboretum reveals collections of aromatical plants and exotic gardens. Guided tour with a specialist in nectar plants.

5. Geulle (NL) and a boat trip on the Meuse River to Thorn, "the little white town"
Visit to a beekeeper. Visit to Thorn, marvellous little town with cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses.

6. Kortrijk and the brewery in Oudenaarde
Visit to a beekeeping supply company. Discover the second most famous town of monuments in Eastern Flanders, with its late Gothic Town Hall, the Abbey of Maagdendaele, the Meat House, the Beguinage and approximately 100 other classified monuments and houses. And of course, a visit to the local famous brewery is a must.

7. Melse and a visit to Brussels
Visit to the Belgian National Botanical Gardens (93 hectares - 230 acres). A stroll through the park reveals collections of hydrangeas, magnolias, rhododendrons, oak and maple trees, depending on the season of course, to find them at their best. Visit to Brussels, capital of Europe. Discover Brussels and its historical beauties: the Atomium, the Royal Residence, the Upper Town of Brussels with the antiques shops of the Sablon, the Royal Government Palace and the Art Museums. Finally, the Grand Place and its surroundings: Manneken Pis, the St. Hubertus Arcade - one of the biggest and most beautiful covered shopping arcades in Europe - and the narrow side-streets close to the Grand Place with their innumerable restaurants.

8. Tilff and the Caverns of Remouchamps
Visit to the Beekeeping Museum of Tilff. Visit to the 8,000 year old Caverns of Remouchamps, with their extraordinary "Cathedral".

9. Sart-Saint-Laurent and the Gardens of Annevoie
Visit to a beekeeper specialized in selection. Visit to the famous "Gardens of Annevoie" and their castle. The magnificent gardens are laid out in English, French and Italian styles, with waterfalls and pools.

10. Cheratte and visit to Li&egravege
Visit to a beekeeper in Cheratte, situated in the Province of Li&egravege. City sightseeing tour of the Principality of Li&egravege, with the St. Barthelemy Church, the Palace of the Prince Bishop and the famous "Carré" with its streets dating back to the Middle Ages.

11. Boussu-lez-Walcourt and the lakes of the "Eau d'Heure"
Guided visit to a centre of mead production and mead-tasting. Visit to the beautiful green region of the five lakes of the "Eau d'Heure".

12. Binche and the boat-elevators of Str&eacutepy
Visit to a very typical brewery: "La Binchoise". Guided visit and tasting of a local speciality: "The Bear Beer" (with honey). You will also visit the famous boat-elevators of Str&eacutepy-Thieu. The modern one is an example of gigantism: it will be the biggest boat-elevator in the world: begun in 1982 and ... still to be completed! The old one belongs to the masterpieces of the Belgian industrial archaeology and is still working.

13. Louvain-la-Neuve and a visit to Waterloo
Visit to the Beekeeping Research and Information Centre. Visit to the Visitors' Centre and the "Lion Mount" in Waterloo and its battlefield.

1. A masterpiece called "Belgium" - 29th-31st August and 7th-9th September 1997
Visit Brussels, capital of Europe. The coach will bring you to the Atomium and the Royal Residence in Laken, to the European Union Quarter and to the Upper Town of Brussels with the antiques shops, the Royal Government Palace and the Art Museums. Later, you will discover, by going on foot, the Grand Place, its surroundings and Manneken Pis. In the afternoon you visit a traditional Brussels brewery, where the typical natural beer brewering process of the Gueuze Beer will be explained. The next day you drive to Bruges, the Venice of the North. During the guided walking tour through the historical centre, you see the market place with its belltower and the Gothic Drapers' Hall and the Burg Place with the Holy Blood Chapel. You end the visit with a romantic boat tour on the canals in Bruges and at the end of the day you go for a nice walk along the seafront.
Price: 2,750 BEF.
Supplement: the extra nights in your hotel in Antwerp.
Inclusive: 1 full-day guided excursion to Brussels, 1 full-day guided excursion to Bruges and the seaside, guided visit and beer-tasting in a traditional brewery in Brussels, 1 boat tour on the canals in Bruges.

2. Paris and the Castles of the Loire - 28th-31st August and 7th-10th September 1997
Visit the "City of Lights" and make a "royal" excursion to the Loire Castles. On the guided tour of Paris you see the famous landmarks of the city, such as the Tour Eiffel, the Triumphal Arch, the Champs Elys&eacutees, the Place de la Concorde, the bridges over the Seine River, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and many more. The following day you have the opportunity to visit the Castle of Blois, the impressive Castle of Chambord and the International Garden Exhibition in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Lunch in a typical restaurant in the Loire Valley.
Price: 12,950 BEF for double room and 17,100 BEF for single room (Pre-Congress), 14,400 BEF for double room and 19,200 BEF for single room (Post-Congress).
Inclusive: 3 overnights with buffet-breakfast in a centrally-located middle class hotel in Paris, half-day guided tour through Paris, entrance at Paristoric (historical movie about Paris), 1 full-day guided excursion to the Loire Castles of Blois and Chambord, entrance to the International Garden Exhibition in Chaumont-sur-Loire, 1 lunch in a typical restaurant in the Loire Valley.

3. Paris and the Champagne Region - 28th-31st August and 7th-10th September 1997
Discover Paris, "City of Lights" and taste the sparkling champagne of Reims and Epernay. Guided sightseeing tour of Paris during which you see the famous landmarks of the city, such as the Tour Eiffel, the Triumphal Arch, the Champs Elys&eacutees, the Place de la Concorde, the bridges over the Seine River, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and many more. Dinner in a typical restaurant. Excursion to the famous Champagne towns of Reims and Epernay. Visit to two champagne wine cellars and to the Cathedral of Reims, where the coronation of the first French kings took place. Lunch in a typical brasserie in Reims.
Price: 12,900 BEF for double room and 18,300 BEF for single room (Pre-Congress), 14,300 BEF for double room and 19,100 BEF for single room (Post-Congress).
Inclusive: 3 overnights with buffet-breakfast in a centrally-located middle class hotel in Paris, half-day guided tour through Paris, entrance at Paristoric (historical movie about Paris), 1 full-day guided excursion to Epernay and Reims, visit to 2 champagne cellars, 1 lunch in a typical brasserie in Reims.

4. London, Stonehenge, Salisbury & Bath - 28th-31st August and 7th-10th September 1997
Sightseeing tour through London. Discover the ancient City of London, for many centuries a leading commercial and financial centre. From West End you go to the famous St. Paul's Cathedral. Visit the Tower of London. View the unique and breathtaking Crown Jewels and see the traditional Beefeaters. Free time to discover London at your own pace. Excursion to Stonehenge, the oldest monument in Europe, to Salisbury, a lovely country market town, famous for its cathedral, and to Bath, known for its Roman baths (visit to the Roman Bath Museum), its Georgian buildings, terraces, squares and colourful flowerbeds.
Price: 18,300 BEF for double room and 23,400 BEF for single room.
Inclusive: 3 overnights with breakfast in a centrally-located middle class hotel in London, coach and boat transfers to London (and return), half-day sightseeing tour of London, entrance to the Tower of London, 1 full-day guided excursion (by coach) to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath (entrances included), 1 dinner in a restaurant.

5. Amsterdam (only Post-Congress tour) - 7th-10th September 1997
On the way to Amsterdam, the heart of the Netherlands, you visit the Apicultural Centre of Ambrosiushoeve. During the city tour of Amsterdam, you discover the inner city with its 17th century merchants' houses, elegant bridges, lovely church spires, imposing warehouses and see the Royal Palace. You also visit the City Museum. Boat tour on the canals of Amsterdam to see the magnificent patrician houses with their famous gables. Excursion to the "Zaanse Schans", where you get the opportunity to see the typical Dutch countryside of polders and little canals and some of the famous Dutch windmills of the 17th century. Return to Belgium via Utrecht.
Price: 12,900 BEF for double room and 16,500 BEF for single room.
Inclusive: 3 overnights with buffet-breakfast in a middle class hotel in Amsterdam, half-day sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, half-day guided excursion to the "Zaanse Schans" (village with windmills), boat tour on the canals in Amsterdam, visit to the Apicultural Centre of Ambrosiushoeve.

6. Rhine Valley (only Post-Congress tour) - 7th-10th September 1997
Discover the romantic Rhine Valley on a 4-day coach tour. You visit Koblenz, the town on the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle. Coach tour along the Rhine Valley and its rocks and castles to St. Goarshausen (with its Castle of the Cat and Castle of the Mouse). View the famous legendary Loreley Rock. Visit to the Beekeeping Institute of Ingelheim.
Price: 13,100 BEF for double room and 15,000 BEF for single room.
Inclusive: 3 overnights with half-board in a middle class hotel in Koblenz, half-day guided tour of Koblenz, half-day guided coach tour to St. Goarshausen and the Loreley, visit to the Beekeeping Institute of Ingelheim.

7. Celle (only Post-Congress tour) - 7th-9th September 1997
Drive through the pleasant landscape of the "S&uumldheide" and visit Celle, the ancient city of the Welfs, with its typical half-timbered houses, its Latin School and medieval townhall. Discover more of the world of the bees in the "Landesinstitut f&uumlr Bienenforschung". You arrive just at the time of their yearly open-day.
Price: 10,600 BEF for double room and 12,400 BEF for single room.
Inclusive: 2 overnights with half-board in a good middle class hotel in Celle, half-day guided visit to Celle, visit to the Beekeeping Institute in Celle.

8. Jena (only Post-Congress tour) - 7th-10th September 1997
Discover this intellectual centre, where Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, Goethe and Schiller lived. You see the attractive narrow streets, the late-Gothic townhall and the Church of St. Michael. Visit to the Apidology Department of the University. On the way back, you pass through Weimar, the "Athens of Germany", where you come across again famous names such as Cranach, Bach, Liszt, Goethe and Schiller.
Price: 12,200 BEF for double room and 14,200 BEF for single room.
Inclusive: 3 overnights with half-board in a good middle class hotel in Jena, half-day guided visit to Jena, visit to the Beekeeping Institute in Jena, guided visit to Weimar.

Belgian currency
The national currency unit is the Belgian franc (BEF).
100 BEF = ± 3 USD ($) - United States dollar
100 BEF = ± 2 GBP (£) - Pound sterling

Climate
In September the average temperature is about 20 degrees C. Because of the unforeseeable weather conditions in Belgium, participants are advised to bring rainwear.

Cancellations
All registration fees (except for US$ 30.00) will be refunded to those who have sent a cancellation letter to the General Secretariat of APIMONDIA in Rome, by 1st June 1997. After this date, no refunds will be made.

Transport to Belgium

1. Air transport
Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) is half an hour's drive by car to Antwerp. A shuttle bus goes from Brussels Airport to Antwerp every hour between 7.00 and 23.00 hours. A courtesy desk will be organized in Brussels Airport (see also Official carrier).

2. By train
Most trains stop at Antwerp Central Station, except the Paris-Amsterdam "Thalys" Express, which stops at Antwerp-Berchem International Station only.
- Airport - Brussels North: 15 minutes. Brussels North - Antwerp Central Station: 30 minutes; one minute's walk to the Congress Centre.
- London - Brussels, with "Eurostar" Express: 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Amsterdam - Antwerp Central Station: 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Amsterdam - Antwerp Berchem International Station, with "Thalys" Express: 2 hours.
- Paris - Brussels: 2 hours. Brussels North - Antwerp Central Station: 30 minutes.
- Paris - Antwerp Berchem International Station, with "Thalys" Express: 2 hours 30 minutes.
A courtesy desk will be organized in Antwerp Central Station ("Antwerpen Centraal").

3. By car
Antwerp is situated at the intersection of the following European motorways:
E34 Antwerp - Eindhoven,
E17 Antwerp - Kortrijk - Lille - London via Calais,
E19 Antwerp - Brussels - Paris,
E313/E40 Antwerp - Li&egravege - Aachen - Cologne,
E10 Antwerp - Breda - Amsterdam.

4. Local transport facilities
Underground, tram and bus services are available. Several professional taxi companies offer an excellent day and night service.

Facilities for disabled participants
All Congress areas are accessible to disabled participants. Please ask at the reception desk for special facilities.

Passport and visa
Members of the European Union countries do not need any special documents to enter Belgium. For some other countries, one may enter Belgium with a valid national passport for a limited stay without the need of a visa. Each participant is advised to obtain information from the nearest local Belgian consulate or similar office as to the specific requirements relating to his or her country.

Invitations
Requests of invitation for obtaining visas and other related issues may be sent to the General Secretariat of APIMONDIA in Rome.

Applications for sponsorship
The APIMONDIA Congress provides people from developing countries with a particularly valuable and unique opportunity to gain useful information, to discuss work and to make contacts with other people.
However, we appreciate that the costs involved in travel to Antwerp, accommodation and registration are more than some people working in developing countries can afford. APIMONDIA does not have any financial means to support the participation of any delegates at the Congress.
If you are involved with a beekeeping project or have special and unique information to share at the Congress, then a funding agency may be willing to support, or contribute towards, the cost of your participation. We suggest the following steps towards finding funding (but we cannot guarantee success!).

• Begin your search for funding early;
• Submit a paper for presentation (according to the guidelines on page 19);
• If your paper is accepted, use the official letter of acceptance to support your requests for funding;
• Estimate the amount of funding you will require to participate in the Congress;
• Write a short proposal including reasons for attending the Congress, and costs involved, and submit to possible funding organizations in your country. Exceptionally, the international offices of some funding organizations may be willing to support your request.

APIMONDIA on Internet
APIMONDIA, for its Centenary Congress, will avail itself of sophisticated modern technology through Internet. Our WEB address is:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/APISERVICES/anvers.htm

Our Internet site will serve as the repository for all up-to-date information on the Congress and the progress of the organization of the various events.
Information will be updated regularly and the WEB site can be accessed at any time. Any queries on this or other related facilities may be directed to Apimondia in Rome.

Official carrier
SABENA has been designated as the official carrier for the APIMONDIA Congress. Congress participants travelling by SABENA may obtain substantial discounts on their air tickets on presentation of the SABENA discount voucher enclosed in the paper version of the circular, if reservations have been made through the SABENA offices listed in the voucher:

• 50 % discount on full fare Economy Class, on Intercontinental and European flights,
• 50 % discount on full fare Business Class, on European flights,
• 25 % discount on full fare Business Class, on Intercontinental flights.

Information on Antwerp City and camping accommodation

1. - General information regarding Apimondia and the Congress (submission of papers, technical visits, etc.) : apply to the address shown herebelow:
- Registration as Congress participant : send your completed registration form to:

2. - Participation as exhibitor in APIEXPO '97: apply for detailed information and conditions to the following address:

3. - General Congress information in Belgium and participation in contests :

4. - Hotel reservations, all Congress excursions and group tours at special rates: send your completed form to:

At the closing of the works of its 35th Congress held in Antwerp from 1st to 6th September 1997, Apimondia decided:

1. to pursue or finalize the course of action deliberated at the 34th Congress;

2. to confirm the Webmaster of Apimondia in the official position of Media Co-ordinator in line with the terms of
reference proposed at the General Assembly of 2nd September 1997;

3. to establish, in close collaboration with the specialized groups of FAO - WHO, a working group on residues in bee
products from various sources of pollution and adulteration;

4. to urge the competent authorities of the European Union to designate and support a bee pathology laboratory for the
diagnosis of the honey bee viral diseases;

5. to support further research on biological interactions which could be used in methods to control honey bee diseases
and, in particular, varroasis;

6. to closely collaborate with the pesticides group of the International Commission for Plant and Bees Relationship
(ICPBR) on all problems concerning the non-intentional effects of the use of the phytosanitary products on bees and
other pollinating insects;

7. to propose appropriate measures for the development of the bees and beekeeping to the competent authorities of
various countries;

8. to establish in collaboration with the American Apitherapy Society (AAS): - clinical observation protocols of therapies
based on the use of bee products, - an updated databank on publications and communications on apitherapy, - a
co-ordination of the various apitherapy specialities;

9. to establish standards for the production technology of raw materials used in apitherapy;

10. to develop and stimulate conservation programmes for natural melliferous flora;

11. to investigate on the relative importance of the different bee species in the pollination of agricultural and horticultural
crops;

12. to develop the use of the honey bees and other bees for the pollination in greenhouses and/or closed environments in
order to avoid the unwarranted introduction of other non-indigenous pollinator species;

13. to encourage the participation in developing countries of specialists in beekeeping development programmes;

14. to disseminate information on past research studies and current beekeeping projects;

15. to request the local Apimondia organizing committees to co-operate with Non-Governmental Organizations working
in the beekeeping development sector;

16. in consideration of the great potential offered by Apimondia meetings for the wide exchange of information and
advice, to request the local committees to contact international agencies for the sponsorship of the delegates from
developing countries for participation in the International
Apicultural Congresses;

17. to insist on interventions in favour of the honey and beeswax trade in developing countries and to take the necessary
steps to invite to the next congress representatives from such organizations as Trans Fair Canada, Fair Labelling
Organization and others;

18. to encourage studies on the honey-harvesting methods for the different bee species in order to promote their
application in disadvantaged rural areas of the Tropics;

19. to promote the creation and development of the International Association of Meadmakers;

20. to improve the collaboration between Apimondia and the international beekeeping press in order to promote the
dissemination of information among beekeepers.