Beekeeping with Indigenous People in the Amazon

The Maijuna Stingless Beekeeping School is growing in exciting directions! Our most advanced students started their journey toward becoming beekeeping educators themselves during the very first educator workshop this May!

As neighbors in Maijuna communities and beyond observe the success of stingless beekeeping and want to learn sustainable management, the demand for training and technical support has rapidly expanded. Seasoned Maijuna beekeepers are up to the task! Eager to share their expertise, nine beekeepers convened for the first in a series of trainings focused on honing effective educational practices. This star cohort manages over 120 colonies and boasts extensive experience and dedication to the trade.

During the workshop, beekeepers spoke of being energized to share their knowledge with family and neighbors. Several educators-in-training mentioned their conviction that beekeeping is important for children to learn as it will be an economic resource and cultural practice long into the future. Another beekeeper confided that he is motivated to teach because he has developed a deep affection for the bees and it pains him that many people needlessly destroy wild colonies for their honey. He hopes to share his knowledge of sustainable management and to inspire the same awe and esteem for the bees that he feels.

Beekeepers practiced public speaking, effective teaching methods, and how to curate a dynamic and supportive learning environment. In addition to pedagogy, participants deepened their knowledge of bee anatomy and life history. We are thrilled that our beekeepers continue to have deep curiosity about bees while being determined to be “generous with their knowledge,” as one mother and beekeeper put it. Thanks to your generosity, beekeepers and future educators have taken this exciting first step. We are eager to share updates as Maijuna beekeeping educators progress!

Thanks to your very generous financial support we were able to successfully deploy our COVID relief, prevention, and vaccination campaign and we are now able to safely resume working with stingless beekeepers in the Maijuna communities! During the last few months, the OnePlanet team and Maijuna beekeepers visited their hives to assess and evaluate their strength and activity. Having endured the pandemic so far, it was time to take a critical look at the bees and take stock. Along with some important lessons learned that will inform our future work, what our team found was that the Maijuna value beekeeping now more than ever and that this year’s harvest has already earned thousands of dollars for Maijuna families!

Despite the challenges of market disruption caused by the pandemic, beekeepers worked to maintain their hives, recognizing their future value to their families. We reviewed hundreds of thriving colonies with golden honey spilling over the edges of their pots; beekeepers were thrilled by the harvest and delighted at their healthy bees. Beekeeping is now an activity that they enthusiastically recommend to their family and friends as a means of earning reliable, sustainable income. For us, this is among the most meaningful indicators that this is a promising investment. The beekeepers we work with look to the bees with hope for their future even in some of the darkest times in memory. We connected with community members who are newly interested in beekeeping after witnessing their neighbors’ success. Experienced Maijuna beekeepers are eager to step into the role as educators to share their knowledge with others. The Maijuna are also excited to advance in their practices and strengthen market connections with support from the OnePlanet team. Onward!

Mid-way through the harvest season, the Maijuna have achieved their most productive honey harvest yet earning over 11,000 soles ($3,000 USD) in honey sales despite the monumental setbacks over the past couple of years presented by the ongoing pandemic. The honey harvest has brought much needed income to Maijuna families just as the Peruvian school year begins and as they continue facing the health and economic instability of the ongoing pandemic.

Your generous donations are truly making a difference in the lives and livelihoods of the Maijuna today and in the future. The Maijuna are earning sustainable income that is helping to support their families as they conserve their ancestral rainforests for future generations.

Thanks again for all your support – stay safe and healthy!