Photo by Ana Sotelo

Stingless bees.

Amazonian stingless bees are sentient beings that are key to the health of the rainforest and biocultural heritage associated with indigenous wisdom. Unfortunately, they are disappearing at alarming rates. Their survival is key to regenerate the Amazon and to preserve the indigenous culture associated with them. Lack of knowledge about their conservation status, a lack of legal recognition, overuse of pesticides, uncontrolled deforestation, and pests are among the threats that endanger these vital pollinators.

We are working to:

1) Assess their conservation status in the Loreto, Junín and Cuzco regions within the Peruvian Amazon using a combination of ethnoecological and GPS monitoring data. The area of focus includes a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve. We aim to advocate for their inclusion in the IUCN Red List and to propose the first natural corridor for stingless bees in the Amazon. This work is completed in collaboration with Ashaninka and Kukama-kukamiria communities.

2) Modify the law on Peru’s bees to include stingless bees and advocate for conservation of all bees, their ecosystems, and their rights to exist - Learn more

3) Understand the natural and human threats impacting bees and their ecosystems to produce the first national mitigation guide in Peru. This work will promote strategies for conservation including reforestation of native flora that protect bees’ ecosystems while capturing carbon and regenerating degraded ecosystems.