Parliament passed a bill Thursday, December 10, 2009, prohibiting the export of live honey bees except by those who have specifically been licensed and the importation of live bee species and used beekeeping and processing equipment.

"There is a need to regulate the practice of apiculture development in Ethiopia in order to protect indigenous honeybee species and protect them from communicable diseases and the effects of imported toxic materials," Gezahegn Tadesse, livestock extension expert at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD) told Fortune.

According to Gezahegn indigenous bee species are now becoming scarce as the demand for honey products is increasing at the local and international market.

"A colony of honeybees is now being sold for up to 800 Br, and more and more people have become engaged in modern and traditional beekeeping practices in many parts of the country," he said.

The prohibition on honeybee export provides two benefits, Gezahegn says.

"It will protect Ethiopia's genetic resources as well as local research and development activities."

The bill, which also restricts indiscriminate use of chemicals, would ensure the quality and safety of honey products that will be exported to foreign markets, especially to the European Union, Gezahegn explained.

"The country has to be serious in order to pass the tough evaluation and monitoring of chemical residues in all EU markets," he said.

The improper use of chemicals and fire that could damage the honeybee colonies and ecology of a given area could be fined 5,000 Br to 10,000 Br by the new law.

Many wildfires in Ethiopia relate to the use of smoke by honey hunting communities, according to the expert.

The MPs silently heard and passed the bill with 293 votes in favour and nine abstentions.