This project (part of Science Voices' Greenworks initiative) helps build economic sustainability in Guapiruvu (an Atlantic Forest agroforestry community) through the cultivation of native tropical stingless bees. In collaboration with teams at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) this multi-year effort has worked to provide continuing education, visiting experts, and meliponarios (stingless bee version of apiaries) to families in the community, as well as research opportunities for students.
Native tropical stingless bees, found throughout the tropics and in hundreds of unique forms and living styles, are on the decline due to widespread use of pesticides, deforestation, and invasive species. This affects the productivity of small family farms due to decreased pollination. Sadly, local knowledge about cultivation of native bees is limited. This reduces the ability to both preserve the bees to support local plant species and cultivate them for their delicious flavors of honeys.
Developing meliponiculture activities helps to raise interest in native pollinators and diversify sources of income in the community. The municipality of Sete Barras is one of the poorest in Sao Paulo state. This project will provide long-term support to families who want to try meliponiculture (the stingless bee equivalent of apiculture). Through the purchase of hives and bringing educational activities and experts into the community, we'll be able to do significant capacity building.
As Guapiruvu is networked to a number of co-ops throughout the region, improved meliponiculture abilities allows the community to cultivate and sell honey to a regional market, improving the economic development of the region. Connections via UNICAMP's extension projects that provide students an opportunity to research the endeavor, plus Science Voices' connections to other stingless bee networks globally allows innovations here to scale to other communities worldwide.
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