In Guatemala’s Maya Forest, beekeeping has become an ally of conservation. By safeguarding bees, hives facilitate the pollination of plant species that contribute to forest regeneration, helping maintain ecological balance and benefiting emblematic wildlife such as jaguars and scarlet macaws. For communities living in the Maya Forest, working with bees represents both a source of sustainable income and a way to protect the environment that sustains their lives.
A Story of Transformation in the Maya Biosphere Reserve (Guatemala)
Beekeeping began to be integrated into management models of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) in 2012. Although Apis mellifera—the European honeybee—was not initially considered in management plans because it is an introduced species, a participatory process helped redefine the approach: honey was identified as a strategic product to improve community incomes without harming the ecosystem.
Since 2014, beekeeping has been officially included in the MBR’s Master Plan. Today, in the Multiple Use Zones and within community forest concessions, groups of beekeepers are becoming more established and organized.
Photos by Melvin Mérida / WCS Guatemala
With the support of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), and in coordination with the Beekeeping Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) and the University Center of Petén (CUDEP), WCS Guatemala carries out specialized management of the apiaries located within the MBR.
In the past year, more than 45 hives have been established in Laguna del Tigre National Park. Additionally, in communities along the Carmelita Route—including Cruce a Dos Aguadas, San Miguel La Palotada, La Pasadita, Cruce a la Colorada, and Carmelita—beekeeping efforts have been strengthened through technical hive management and the identification and treatment of pests, significantly improving honey extraction safety and quality standards.
Restoring the Forest, Feeding the Bees
Where extensive cattle ranching and forest fires once degraded the land, restoration is now allowing the Maya Forest to recover with native tree species such as jabín, chaperno, pimienta, and aceituno. These trees provide flowering resources that feed bees and enhance honey productivity.
On World Bee Day, we invite you to support conservation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve by consuming honey and other bee products.
For more information on the market profile, honey value chain, and hive-derived products, please consult the following document, developed in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), with support from the European Union.