Our project will develop a premier rescue and education center on Cozumel Island for local apis and stingless Melipona bees. The Mexican government owns more than 3/4 of the island and has reserved it for natural growth of mangroves because these trees supply the nutrients for the world's second largest coral reef. Bees naturally aid mangrove growth which in turn will benefit corals. Simultaneously, tours will educate international tourists on the history, behavior, and value of Melipona bees.
The decline of worldwide bee populations has many factors including pesticide use, loss of natural habitats, the spread of disease, and climate change. The consequence is that our plants are inadequately pollinated which results in poor harvests. Although Cozumel Island has virtually no commercial agriculture, the mangrove forests that cover nearly all the island supply the essential nutrients to the unique coral reefs that ring the island. Promoting bee growth will also promote coral growth.
The isolation of the bee park on Cozumel Island will protect the bees from toxic pesticides used in farming. In addition, the warm, consistent year-around temperatures are perfect for the bees. Teaming with Bee Friendly Cozumel, it will be a perfect shelter for relocated bee swarms that are rescued from urban and rural areas. The educational center will have live Melipona hives and displays to teach people from all around the world about bee culture and how they can encourage bee development.
By increasing the bee population, mangrove tree growth will improve, which in turn will provide more nutrients to the vast coral reef around Cozumel and the Atlantic region. The project will raise awareness among the tourists and residents and advance community participation in the conservation of bees everywhere. Finally, the honey produced by the Melipona bee has shown to have many healing properties for wound healing, eye and sinus health, and aging-related conditions.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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