Beekeeping with Indigenous People in the Amazon

The Maijuna Stingless Beekeeping School is growing in exciting directions! Our most advanced students started their journey toward becoming beekeeping educators themselves during the very first educator workshop this May!

As neighbors in Maijuna communities and beyond observe the success of stingless beekeeping and want to learn sustainable management, the demand for training and technical support has rapidly expanded. Seasoned Maijuna beekeepers are up to the task! Eager to share their expertise, nine beekeepers convened for the first in a series of trainings focused on honing effective educational practices. This star cohort manages over 120 colonies and boasts extensive experience and dedication to the trade.

During the workshop, beekeepers spoke of being energized to share their knowledge with family and neighbors. Several educators-in-training mentioned their conviction that beekeeping is important for children to learn as it will be an economic resource and cultural practice long into the future. Another beekeeper confided that he is motivated to teach because he has developed a deep affection for the bees and it pains him that many people needlessly destroy wild colonies for their honey. He hopes to share his knowledge of sustainable management and to inspire the same awe and esteem for the bees that he feels.

Beekeepers practiced public speaking, effective teaching methods, and how to curate a dynamic and supportive learning environment. In addition to pedagogy, participants deepened their knowledge of bee anatomy and life history. We are thrilled that our beekeepers continue to have deep curiosity about bees while being determined to be “generous with their knowledge,” as one mother and beekeeper put it. Thanks to your generosity, beekeepers and future educators have taken this exciting first step. We are eager to share updates as Maijuna beekeeping educators progress!