Bee Sanctuary in Colombia

San Juan de Pasto, Colombia May 4, 2024.

Considering our purpose of bee protection, this last quarter we made different strategic alliances with national environmental organizations to achieve cooperation agreements that help us to promote our cause in rural communities in the municipality of Pasto. The management for the achievement of these objectives was carried out with the National Natural Parks of Colombia, a public organization that is in charge of protecting the natural reserves of the government of the Republic of Colombia. Through a cooperation agreement, in July we will conduct presentations in the rural communities of the municipality of Pasto, with the aim of impacting more than 300 people with the message of bee protection.

It should also be noted that the processes of rescue, relocation and protection of bees continues steadily in the territory and this quarter we rescued 13 wild swarms in urban areas (more than 200,000 bees) and relocated them to rural areas. As we conduct these rescues we trained people living in the intervention zones and who have started working together with our organization.

We have also carried out four presentations on the protection of bees and the planet with the youth of the Ecoterra Foundation at the Ciudadela de Pasto Municipal Educational Institution, generating graphic pieces and videos to promote to the community the importance of caring for the environment.

With the money received from donations we have advanced the logistical movements of management, rescues, relocation of swarms, construction of hives and purchase of four beekeeping protection suits.

We so appreciate your continued support in furthering the protection and growth of bee populations.

Executive Summary

Thank you for your support. The Bee Sanctuary project has witnessed significant advancements both locally in Pasto, Colombia, and internationally, promoting the protection and preservation of bees through rescue, relocation, and the establishment of sanctuaries. We are on track to create the first bee protection sanctuary in southern Colombia, highlighting strategic alliances with organizations such as BeeFriendly Cozumel in Mexico. We are extending our expertise to advise the creation of educational and awareness spaces, and emphasizing the need for updated conservation methods to safeguard these crucial pollinators.

Local Progress in Pasto, Colombia

Although the project is fairly new, the rescue, relocation, and protection efforts for bees in Pasto are showing signs for its success. A significant increase in the bee population and a notable improvement in the pollination of local flora have been observed. Strategic areas have been identified for the creation of the first bee protection sanctuary in southern Colombia, which is currently in progress and from your gifts is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024. The construction progress is being supported by the Ministry of Labor of the Colombian Government, and our project has received a grant from the "Fondo Emprender SENA" call, being selected among thousands of national project proposals.

Alliances with secondary and university educational institutions, along with active collaboration with local beekeepers, have strengthened our reach and ability to conduct awareness, education, and conservation activities in the region. Training and awareness programs have been well-received by the community, resulting in increased appreciation of the importance of preserving bees and their impact on the local ecosystem.

International Progress

The project has expanded its international reach through strategic partnerships with BeeFriendly Cozumel in Mexico. We have provided guidance and direction for the creation of new spaces dedicated to education and sustainable tourism focused on bee protection. The project in Mexico is already operational, demonstrating that the methods of support and guidance function in various parts of the world, aiding bees, crop pollination, and the economic development of the region and families devoted to bee protection.