Bees for biodiversity in Belize
How this vital winged insect boosts the production and incomes that keep a community and forest intact
The article highlights how beekeeping supports biodiversity and community livelihoods in southern Belize, particularly in the Golden Maya Landscape, part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Through traditional practices such as the milpa system and new agroforestry techniques, producers like Eventir Cal combine home-based crops with the management of hives, including stingless native bees, enhancing crop productivity and forest conservation. Facing climate challenges like frequent droughts and wildfires that destroyed farmland and bee colonies, these communities receive support from FAO and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to restore lost hives, safely relocate wild bees, and promote pollinator awareness. The result is an inclusive model that sustains livelihoods, strengthens food security, and fosters more resilient ecosystems.
