“Unlocking Yucatán’s Meliponiculture Secrets: August 15 Meeting Revealed”

The Yucatán State Meliponiculturists Meeting is scheduled for the 15th of this month. The event is aimed at uniting those involved in the management of melipona bees in the Yucatán State. The goal is to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, as well as to strengthen networks of collaboration and mutual support. The meeting will be held at the offices of the Ministry of Economic Development and Labor (Sefoet).

This gathering seeks to encourage the sustainable development of meliponiculture in the state, by actively involving its main participants. The aim is to generate awareness about the importance of this activity. "We recognize the significance of this practice in our state, particularly the endemic bees and their surrounding environment, which have been a part of our Mayan culture for many years," said Diana Pérez Jaumá, head of the Ministry of Sustainable Development (SDS) of Yucatán.

Approximately 100 participants are expected to attend the event, which is centered on biodiversity conservation, food security, and rural development. "Spaces like this are crucial for sharing ideas, knowledge, and strategies that contribute to the activity in the state, and that can also have an impact at the Peninsula level," stated Rodrigo Navarro Meneses, a meliponiculturist and member of the organizing committee.

The meeting will address challenges and lessons learned to help shape the future of the sector, correct current issues, and prevent potential problems. Topics such as environmental and organizational aspects, as well as management and marketing practices, will be discussed in working groups.

During the meeting, José Javier Quezada Euán, a researcher from the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY), will present a lecture on the "Effects of thermal stress on stingless bees in Yucatán". Additionally, specialist Irma Gómez González will discuss "How agrochemicals affect bees and what we can do to prevent damage". The event will also feature working tables aimed at identifying the main issues of meliponiculture in Yucatán, discussing areas of concern and emerging attention, and suggesting potential solutions.