Here below you find the general structure of our IFA Permanent Commissions on Apitherapy Science and Practice.
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- Scientific and Academic Advisory Board
The Scientific and Academic Advisory Board provides expert guidance and strategic direction for research, education, and policy in apitherapy and related fields. It aims to advance scientific knowledge, promote evidence-based practices, and support academic initiatives by connecting researchers, scholars, and professionals. The Board fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that the integration of traditional and modern therapies aligns with high academic and scientific standards.
- Medicinal Bee Plants, Biodiversity, and Ecological Sustainability Commission
This commission focuses on researching and protecting medicinal bee plants, as well as preserving biodiversity. It supports sustainable practices and research to optimize the use of these plants in natural therapies while safeguarding ecosystems.
- Bee Health and Apitherapy Commission
Focuses on advancing the understanding of bee biology – including anatomy, physiology, behaviour, health, and all kinds of threats – to help apitherapy scientists and practitioners integrate this knowledge with the therapeutic applications of bee products.
4. Medicinal Beekeeping, Technology and Apitherapy Commission
- This commission focuses on advancing medicinal beekeeping, which produces high-quality bee products for treating specific diseases in humans and animals. It integrates modern technologies and artificial intelligence to optimize beekeeping practices and enhance the therapeutic use of bee products.
5. Commission on Beehive Products: Quality, Biopharmacology, and Guidance on the Development of New Apitherapeutic Preparations and Products
This commission focuses on ensuring the highest standards of quality and scientific validation for beehive products used in apitherapy. It promotes research on the biopharmacological properties of these products, supporting their safe and effective integration into natural health practices. Additionally, the commission provides expert guidance on the formulation and development of new apitherapeutic preparations and products, helping stakeholders navigate best practices, scientific advancements, and regulatory considerations within their respective countries.
6. Apitherapy in Human Medicine Commission
This commission focuses on the integration and advancement of apitherapy in human medicine. It supports research, education, and clinical applications of bee products for the prevention, treatment, and management of various health conditions. The commission aims to establish evidence-based practices, promote the use of apitherapy in medical settings, and encourage collaboration between healthcare professionals and apitherapists.
7. Apitherapy in Dentistry and Oral Medicine Commission
This commission focuses on exploring and advancing the use of apitherapy in dentistry and oral medicine. It supports research and clinical applications of bee products for the prevention, treatment, and management of oral health conditions. The commission aims to promote the integration of apitherapy into dental practices and oral healthcare, encouraging evidence-based approaches.
- Apitherapy for Children’s Education Commission
This Commission explores how bee products and apiculture-related practices can support cognitive development, concentration, and overall well-being in educational settings. It emphasizes natural, science-based approaches to enhance learning, resilience, and a healthy lifestyle in children and learners of all ages.
- Apitherapy for Children’s Health Commission (Apipediatrics)
Apipediatrics is an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of apitherapy and pediatrics, focusing on the safe and effective use of bee products to support children’s health. It explores evidence-based applications of honey, propolis, royal jelly, and other apitherapeutic substances in pediatric care, aiming to enhance immunity, promote natural healing, and support overall well-being in a holistic and sustainable manner.
- Veterinary, Zootechnics, Animal Health and Apitherapy Commission
This commission focuses on the integration of apitherapy into veterinary medicine, zootechnics, and animal health. It promotes research, education, and practical applications of bee products for disease prevention, treatment, and overall well-being in animals, supporting sustainable and natural healthcare solutions in animal care and management.
11. Commission on Apitherapy and Traditional Medical Systems
This commission explores the integration of traditional medicine practitioners—such as those practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, or Unani Medicine—with certified naturopathic doctors (ND) in the USA and Canada, or Heilpraktikers (HP) in Germany, alongside apitherapy. The commission fosters evidence-based synergies between apitherapy and holistic, integrative healing practices from various medical traditions. It supports research, education, and collaboration to advance effective natural healthcare approaches.
- Commission on Apitherapy in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology
This commission focuses on the use of apitherapy in aesthetic medicine and cosmetics, promoting the benefits of bee products for skin health, beauty, and rejuvenation. One of its goals is to develop new, modern methods that incorporate the latest medical discoveries in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology. It fosters research, innovation, and the development of evidence-based apicosmetic formulations for dermatological and cosmetic applications.
13.Apitherapy Education and Professional Training Commission
This commission focuses on advancing education and training in apitherapy by developing programs, certifications, and resources to enhance practitioner knowledge and skills. It promotes global collaboration and high standards in apitherapy practice.
- Apitherapy Ethics, Legal Standards, Certification, and Conformity Commission
This commission aims to:
- Develop ethical guidelines and legal standards for apitherapy practice.
- Create certification systems for qualified practitioners.
- Ensure compliance with legal and safety regulations.
- Promote public trust in the ethical and legal aspects of apitherapy.
- Apitherapy Partnerships, Sponsorship, and Development Commission
This commission focuses on creating and nurturing partnerships, securing sponsorships, and driving business development to support the advancement of apitherapy. One of its major objectives is to assist in the creation of a worldwide network of Apitherapy Centres. It works to establish collaborations between organizations, promote financial backing for projects, and facilitate large-scale initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and impact of apitherapy worldwide.
16. Apitherapy Tourism Commission
This commission focuses on organizing and promoting travel experiences to destinations with a rich tradition in apitherapy. It offers engaging opportunities for participants to explore related practices, learn about bee products, and participate in activities centred around apitherapy based healing.
17. Apitherapy and Innovative Research Commission
This commission focuses on advancing apitherapy through innovative research, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance scientific discovery, optimize therapies, and improve the application of bee products in various fields. It encourages collaboration between researchers, technology experts, beekeepers, and apitherapists, recognizing that even simple beekeepers or apitherapists can contribute groundbreaking innovations with the potential for significant impact, such as ideas worth millions of dollars.
18.Therapeutic Applications of Stingless Bees
This commission focuses on the therapeutic applications of stingless bee products (meliponitherapy). It explores the unique medicinal properties of honey, pollen, propolis, and other products from stingless bees, promoting their use in natural healing. The commission supports research, education, and the development of therapeutic practices based on these products, with an emphasis on sustainability and cultural relevance in tropical regions.
19. Regional Commissions:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
- Australia and Oceania
The Apitherapy Regional Commissions focus on advancing apitherapy in specific regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Australia & Oceania. Each commission works to promote research, education, and the application of apitherapy, tailored to the unique needs and practices of its respective region. The coordinators of these regional commissions have the main goal of fostering the IFA activities across all commissions, ensuring global collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and the growth of apitherapy worldwide.