The meliponina bee contributes significantly to the reproduction of many plant species, including various forest trees and flowering plants. As they forage for nectar and pollen, these bees facilitate the cross-pollination of plants, which leads to increased fruit and seed production and is thus vital for the regeneration and growth of the forest ecosystem. Furthermore, traditional beekeeping practices in Yucatan involve placing hives in natural forest settings, encouraging sustainable land use: Rather than clearing land for agricultural activities, meliponiculturists work within the existing forested areas. This helps prevent deforestation and preserves the natural habitats for fauna and flora. 

Empowered women through beekeeping

The 56-year-old engages more women in beekeeping: “I dream of seeing empowered women who are not afraid of the many challenges that we are currently experiencing. This concerns especially our children and the next generations.” 

Within beekeeping, the project has achieved a participation of 60% women engaged in meliponiculture  and about 25% of women engaged in apiculture. As Minneth Medina, Jibiopuuc’s director states: “These numbers may sound low, but they really represent the women who carry out this activity. There are still many challenges, of course – for example the issue of machismo, especially in Indigenous communities, where customs and traditions are very strong.” 

Biocultural heritage – honoring both biodiversity and cultural traditions 

Other challenges faced by Indigenous Maya communities in Yucatan include economic restraints, as Florentino Poot Canul, an apiculturist from the village of Yaxcabá  illustrates: “Beekeeping is a very good activity, and I want to transmit that to my children. We want to move forward but we can’t do it on our own. We need the support of government institutions, as well as people from other places who want to join us in this cause. A queen bee costs 250 pesos [approx. 15 USD] or more and we simply don't have the economic power to invest.” 

Even though meliponiculture mostly has positive effects on forest conservation in the region, like any human activity, unsustainable beekeeping practices can potentially contribute to deforestation, be it directly or indirectly.  Practicing responsible land management, promoting sustainable harvesting methods and agroforestry is key, as Minneth Medina highlights:  "It’s essential for us to be able to work with the beekeepers and their communities to raise awareness on sustainable practices. The practice of beekeeping makes them appreciate more the need for nectar proliferation – and as such, the forest is valued more deeply. Now, when we eat honey, we can enjoy and taste the flavors, the smells, and the seasonality of the forest. The beekeepers learn that forest conservation and the preservation of resources are essential to generate income."  

Claudia Beatriz Pat Cotz, who is one of the youngest apiculturists in her group in the village of Yaxcaba, says: “We have that great opportunity to work with the bees in the community where we have the right landscapes and where there is good flowering so that they can feed and produce easily. Bees are the engine of life for the planet, we must take care of them.”