Maya Beekeepers Boost Honey & Propolis with New Project

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — A group of Maya beekeepers from the community of Betania, located approximately 30 kilometers from Felipe Carrillo Puerto, has initiated a project aimed at enhancing the production and commercialization of honey and propolis. The effort, titled “Strengthening Honey and Propolis Production from the Hive,” seeks to add value to these traditional products while ensuring fair compensation for local producers.

Preserving Tradition and Boosting Economic Opportunities

Led by María Elena Cen Tuz, a member of the collective Lool Kaab, the project involves 23 men and women dedicated to revitalizing apiculture in the region. The initiative, supported by the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI), was launched a year ago to address the challenges faced by local beekeepers, including low market prices and lack of direct buyers.

Rufino Canul Dzib, a beekeeper from Betania, explained that the project focuses on diversifying honey-based products to increase profitability. “We are processing honey into various forms, such as soap, bottled honey, natural syrups for respiratory infections, and vitamins for children and the elderly,” he said.

Challenges and Collective Efforts

Canul Dzib highlighted the economic struggles of beekeepers, noting that honey prices have remained stagnant, with intermediaries purchasing it for as little as 20 pesos per kilogram. “Selling at such low prices is unsustainable for us,” he stated.

To strengthen their initiative, participants underwent training in modern apiculture techniques. Each member contributes according to their skills, fostering a collaborative approach to production and sales. The group aims to bypass intermediaries by selling directly to consumers who appreciate the quality and cultural significance of their products.

The project not only seeks to improve livelihoods but also to preserve the ancestral practice of beekeeping, which holds deep cultural and ecological importance in Maya communities.