Indigenous women save the sacred Mayan bee

From May to August 2025, the En Pro de la Mujer Península project reaffirmed its environmental commitment through the protection of the melipona bee and the regeneration of local ecosystems, led by organized Mayan women in Yucatán and Campeche.

The project surpassed the annual goal of active hives, reaching 1,058 compared to the 1,020 planned, strengthening the pollination of native flora and the restoration of biodiversity. Women producers improved their beekeeping management and monitoring practices, creating better conditions for the conservation of this endangered species.

A key event during this period was the World Bee Day celebration on May 23, 2025, at the “Flor de Jazmín” meliponary in Xaya, Yucatán. Members of the Yaal Kaab Network shared their knowledge about bee care, sacred honey harvesting, and artisanal transformation, demonstrating the deep connection between women, their environment, and the ancestral knowledge that sustains this practice.

In addition, the pilot model of meliponiculture-based tourism was launched in two communities, combining environmental education, cultural preservation, and income generation through immersive experiences that connect visitors with the land and the work of the women producers.

A major challenge during this period was managing extreme heat during the summer season. To address this, measures such as hive shading, colony relocation, and infrastructure improvements in meliponaries were implemented, with guidance from the technical team.

These actions reflect how meliponiculture, in the hands of rural women, is a powerful tool for conservation, climate resilience, and cultural transmission in the Yucatán Peninsula.