THE MAYAN MELIPONA BEE SANCTUARY PROJECT
Support for The Melipona Stingless Bees and their Maya Bee Tenders of Yucatán and Mesoamerica.
Preserve, Empower, Establish
Together, we can conserve the ancient Mayan beekeeping practices, empower women beekeepers, and create new sanctuaries for the Melipona bee. Our commitment is to cultural preservation, gender equality, and ecological sustainability, driving significant change in the Yucatán Peninsula and beyond. Your support can make this vision a reality.
Preserve Ancient Traditions
Aid in the protection and continuance of more than 3200 year old tradition of Mayan Melipona bee tending, preserving a vital part of our global heritage system.
Create New Bee Yards
Fund the establishment of new Melipona Stingless Bee Sanctuaries, actively combating the decline of these critical pollinators and supporting ecological sustainability.
Empower Maya Beekeepers
Offer support and resources for the pioneering women of Yucatán launching their own honey cooperatives, promoting gender equality and economic growth.
2024 NAPPCE POLLINATOR ADVOCATE AWARD COUNTRY OF MEXICO
Learn more about the passionate individuals and experts working to preserve, protect, and promote the Melipona bees of the Yucatan and their vital role in our ecosystem.
Xunan Ka'ab
The Mexican Yucatan is home to the Mayan Stingless Melipona bee, also known as Xunan Ka’ab, which translates to “Royal Lady Bee” in the Mayan language. This region boasts a documented tradition of honey harvesting that dates back 3,200 years. Xunan Ka’ab is the only honey bee native to North America and is recognized by its distinctively unique, pyramid-shaped comb. The Melipona bees play a crucial role as rainforest pollinators and pollinators of indigenous fruits and crops.
Women of the Yucatan have recently begun establishing honey cooperatives, innovating from what was once a practice exclusive to men. This development has encouraged some women to create their own Melipona Honey Bee Sanctuaries and honey businesses, thereby continuing the preservation of ancient Maya bee-tending practices.
Join us in our mission to “Bee the Future” and help grow a network of Meliponarios throughout the Yucatan and Mesoamerica. With your assistance, we can achieve a vast corridor of pollinator sustainability.
Stingless, not Harmless
While Melipona bees are stingless, they are not defenseless. They have been known to bite intruders and emit a pheromone that signals other bees to join in the defense, protecting their hives effectively.
The Healing Honey
Melipona honey is revered for its medicinal properties. Traditionally used for eye conditions, respiratory infections, and wounds, it’s a testament to the bees’ invaluable contribution to health and wellness.
The Sanctuary Project: A Safe Haven for Melipona Bees
Our Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary Project is a multifaceted initiative dedicated to empowering women, protecting the Melipona bees, and preserving ancient Mayan culture. We provide women with the resources they need to start their own bee apiaries, establish new sanctuaries to maintain healthy bee populations, and facilitate the sale of rare and valuable honey. With your contribution, we can continue to promote economic growth, ecological balance, and cultural sustainability. Donate today to make a lasting impact.
Preserving Culture
Our project aids in sustaining ancient Mayan beekeeping practices while also creating opportunities for the sale of rare, medicinal honey in local and international markets.
Empowering Women
We provide funding and resources for women in rural areas to start their own Melipona honey bee apiaries, fostering economic independence and growth.
Establishing Sanctuaries
By building new Melipona Bee Sanctuaries (Meliponarios), we ensure the preservation of healthy bee populations, supporting the survival of these crucial pollinators.
Mayan Melipona Honey
Melipona bees and their medicinal honey have become scarce and are considered a precious commodity. We have made it our passionate purpose to revive the old Mayan tradition of beekeeping and prevent the demise of Melipona bees and the traditional Maya beekeeping culture.
Experience the rare and precious Blessed Mayan Melipona Honey, a 100% pure organic honey sourced from our Melipona beecheii beehives in the Yucatan.
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Insights & Resources
Dive into a rich pool of knowledge about honeybees, beekeeping practices, environmental factors, and research findings. Learn, grow, and protect our buzzing friends.
Hurricane Helene Update: A Video Update From Our Director
Our director, Rebecca Robertson, resides in Asheville, North Carolina. She is safe but has been impacted by Hurricane Helene. We appreciate your honey orders now
Angelina Jolie and the Quest to Save the Melipona Bee
We’ve long admired those dedicated to the Melipona Stingless Bees of the Yucatán. When someone like Angelina Jolie champions the cause, the world takes notice.
Healing Wisdom Podcast – S10 with Rebecca Ann Robertson
Founding Director Rebecca Ann Robertson talks about the importance of Melipona bees in the ecosystem of the Yucatan, the unique health benefits of melipona honey,