Playa del Carmen Promotes Beekeeping Revival to Diversify Local Economy

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government of Playa del Carmen is working to revive beekeeping and diversify the local economy through a series of visits to production units, officials announced.

Mayor Estefanía Mercado led the tour, organized by the Secretariat of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, with the aim of conserving, strengthening, and promoting sustainable practices in the apiculture sector.

Secretary Estefanía Hernández said the initiative is part of a municipal strategy focused on rescuing beekeeping and diversifying the economy. She explained that the tour seeks to revalue this ancestral practice inherited from Mayan culture, which, beyond its historical importance, represents a significant source of income for rural families.

Hernández highlighted that melipona honey, produced exclusively in the Yucatan Peninsula, is a highly valued product with strong market demand.

During the visit, Hernández, accompanied by Agricultural and Fisheries Director Alejandro López, toured production units where beekeepers shared experiences on hive management, honey production processes and byproducts, as well as techniques for protecting bees.

The tour included a visit to the Santa Rosa 2 beekeeping ranch operated by producer Martina Valdez, who produces and sells around one ton of honey per year and also uses wax to make candles and other products. Officials also visited producer José Luis Morales Larios at the Muñutzi ranch in the La Selva community, who generates approximately 750 kilograms of honey annually.

Hernández said these visits help identify the sector’s needs and strengthen production and marketing processes at all stages, from beginners to developing producers needing support, as well as established ones looking to optimize and expand production.

She emphasized that the effort focuses not only on technical training but also on creating economic opportunities for producers. In this regard, she noted that the Secretariat has already provided initial training to 26 beekeepers in a course called “Beekeeping from Scratch,” as part of ongoing support.