Sustainable Stingless Beekeeping for Conservation
In the heart of Suriname, Colombia and Brazil, sustainable stingless beekeeping for conservation is doing more than just producing honey—it’s sustaining livelihoods, preserving cultural traditions, and protecting vital ecosystems. Through our stingless beekeeping (meliponiculture) initiatives, ACT is working hand-in-hand with partner communities to harness the benefits of native bees for both sustenance and sustainable livelihoods.
What Are Stingless Bees?
Stingless bees, known scientifically as Meliponini, are a diverse group of native bees found in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Amazon Rainforest. Unlike honeybees, these pollinators lack a functional stinger, relying instead on biting or resin-based defenses to protect their hives. With over 500 species worldwide, stingless bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by pollinating a vast array of plants, including many that are essential for Indigenous food systems and forest regeneration.
A History Rooted in Indigenous Knowledge
Stingless beekeeping, or meliponiculture, has been practiced for centuries by Indigenous and local communities across South and Central America. Long before the arrival of European honeybees, Indigenous groups such as the Mayan, Tukano, and Kayapó peoples cultivated stingless bee colonies for their medicinal honey, spiritual significance, and ecological benefits. The honey of stingless bees has been traditionally used to treat infections, respiratory ailments, and digestive issues due to its potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
More than Just Honey: The Role of Stingless Bees in the Ecosystem
Stingless bees are not just valuable for their honey: they are key pollinators that contribute to the health of rainforests, ensuring the reproduction of countless plant species. Their pollination services support food security, medicinal plant growth, and the overall balance of delicate ecosystems. However, habitat destruction and climate change threaten many stingless bee species, making community-led conservation efforts more important than ever.
By fostering sustainable stingless beekeeping, Indigenous communities and conservation organizations like ACT are revitalizing traditional knowledge, protecting biodiversity, and creating economic opportunities that align with environmental stewardship.
Harnessing the Benefits of Stingless Bees
Stingless bee honey and propolis (a resinous mixture of sap, beeswax, and enzymes with medicinal properties), valued for their medicinal and nutritional properties, offer communities an opportunity to generate income while maintaining a deep connection to ancestral knowledge. By fostering beekeeping practices that align with traditional ecological knowledge, these projects not only provide economic benefits but also encourage the protection of the forests that are essential for the survival of these native pollinators.
A Growing Impact in Suriname
The impact of these initiatives is already significant. In Suriname alone, 80 dedicated beekeepers across five villages are now managing approximately 480 hives of various stingless bee species. With ACT’s ongoing technical training and support, their success continues to grow. The production of honey and propolis results in income for participating beekeeping families, strengthens local economies, and enhances community resilience.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
These projects are a testament to the power of sustainable practices that bridge the past and the future. By supporting indigenous-led sustainable stingless beekeeping for conservation, we can help ensure that traditional knowledge thrives alongside modern opportunities.
Join Us in Supporting Sustainable Beekeeping
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