Perception of local stakeholder groups about certain invasive alien bee pasture species around Lake Kolon

The apiculture sector in Hungary is currently heavily dependent on invasive alien bee pasture species such as the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) and the invasive goldenrod species (Solidago gigantea Ait. and Solidago canadensis L.). Between March and October 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted around Lake Kolon with representatives of the main stakeholder groups: nature conservationists, beekeepers, foresters and farmers. The main aim of our investigation was to assess the perception of the four stakeholder groups about the invasive alien bee pasture species and reveal the conflicting points. Based on our results the presence of black locusts in the area is only undesirable for the conservation sector, the common milkweed is the most damaging species from both a conservational and agricultural point of view. The invasive goldenrod species are less common but are also unfavourable from a conservation point of you. They play a role in preparing bees for winter Beekeepers mentioned other valuable bee pastures (e.g. protective forest strips, flowering trees and shrubs, wildflower meadows, and native bee pastures such as linden) and some of them could replace the invasive alien species. Agricultural subsidies are essential for local farmers. However, they are reluctant to take advantage of subsidies specifically targeted at indigenous bee pasture species, because for some reason they are not seen as favourable. In terms of conflicts, foresters and farmers consider the regulations and restrictions of the conservation sector too strict. Due to the rich wild bee fauna in the area, the conservationists do not prefer the presence of migratory beekeepers with their hives, which puts extreme competitive pressure on wild bees. Beekeepers have reported conflict cases with farmers about bee poisoning in oilseed rape. Overall, it can be said that the beekeepers interviewed are open to the indigenous bee pasture plant species, but currently, they are dependent on the invasive alien bee pasture species. In addition, there are conflict cases between the stakeholder groups, but most of them can be resolved through discussion.