API-TOURISM, AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROMANIAN VILLAGE - CASE STUDY: THE LOCALITY OF SIBIEL (MĂRGINIMEA SIBIULUI), ROMANIA

The ever-accelerating dynamics of the evolution of human civilization requires that the role of beekeeping be accentuated and diversified in proportion to the needs of man and the environment. Bees provide a wide range of ecosystem services and human well-being, contributing greatly to sustaining life on Earth. Currently, in the context of globalization, beekeeping takes on new values, with a role in biology, ecology, economy, social life and, finally, in maintaining the health of the population. In this context, api-tourism, as a niche tourism, appears as a new phenomenon, supporting the culture and traditions of rural communities in a sustainable way. Api-tourism, as an innovative form of tourism, plays an important role in maintaining the health of human society, starting from the consumption of beehive products to the prevention and amelioration of human diseases. The purpose of the work is to promote the village of Sibiel, as a locality conducive to the practice and expansion of beekeeping, with the stimulation of api-tourism. Its geographical location, floristic biodiversity, with the famous orchards of fruit trees with local varieties, deciduous and resinous forests, special spontaneous flora support the practice of beekeeping at the local level. The beekeeping in the area combines harmoniously and profitably with the agritourism activities carried out in the dozens of guesthouses in the village of Sibiel, where the local honey has a place of honour.