Bees help to pollinate approximately 80% of the plants in our world, and yet these small creatures are often overlooked. In Nicaragua, there are more than 400 species of native bees that work across the tropical forests and farmlands, moving pollen and generating benefits to people. Most of these native bees are stingless and many of them produce delicious honey which may be consumed by people. 

There are ways to protect pollinators while also benefiting people. Meliponiculture is the ancient practice of cultivating stingless bees for the production of pollen or honey. This practice was widespread during pre-Columbian times, and can still be observed in rural farms and villages throughout the Mesoamerican region. Although the practice still exists, the knowledge around its practice has been disappearing.

Three years ago, Paso Pacifico launched its first meliponiculture project and since that time has worked with 21 farmers from across 7 communities to promote the health of bee colonies and to replicate and expand on these colonies. The goal is to reduce the number of hives that are extracted from the forest.

In addition we have worked to educate youth and farming communities about the benefits of bee pollinators and to encourage the cultivation of food crops that benefit native bees such as squashes. Over the years this program has been made possible through the Turner Foundation, the Loyal Bigelow and Jediah Dewey Foundation, as well as through support from Projets Plus Actions. We are grateful to these partners for making this work possible.