Unique Alliances: Beekeeping for Poverty Alleviation

Beekeeping for Poverty AlleviationIn the heart of eastern Colombia’s rainforest, Delio de Jesús Suárez, a member of the Indigenous Tucano community, has forged a unique alliance with stingless bees. Delio de Jesús Suárez embarked on a remarkable journey, embracing beekeeping for poverty alleviation. His dedicated efforts in La Ceiba, a community along the Inírida River, not only rejuvenated vital bee populations but also emerged as a beacon of hope for the economic well-being of the region, demonstrating the transformative power of indigenous beekeeping initiatives. Through a decade of dedicated beekeeping in La Ceiba Suárez Gómez’s efforts have not only revitalized bee populations critical for global pollination but have also become a beacon of hope for poverty relief and economic well-being in the region.

Poverty in Colombia

After the COVID-19 pandemic, 18.3 million people were living in poverty in Colombia. Extreme poverty has also risen slightly to 6.9 million people, making poverty alleviation more necessary than ever. Columbia has the fourth-highest level of extreme poverty in the world.

Beekeeping as Poverty Alleviation

Beekeeping is providing community members with financial opportunities and viable economic alternatives across the country. Communities are able to transition away from less sustainable sectors such as gold mining or monoculture, embracing beekeeping as an alternative that yields transformative outcomes for both livelihoods and community well-being. This shift reflects a broader trend towards more environmentally friendly and economically viable practices. In certain communities, residents can achieve a viable monthly income equivalent to one and a half to two times the Colombian minimum wage.

The Association

Suárez Gómez’s initiative, Asomegua (Asociación de Meliponicultores del Guainía), an association of meliponiculturists (stingless bee-keepers and managers), is the tangible outcome of his commitment to beekeeping for poverty alleviation Suárez Gómez’s marries ancestral knowledge with Western scientific methods. Bees, responsible for pollinating 75% of the world’s globally important food crops, are facing a global decline, making Suárez Gómez’s initiative even more critical.

Negotiating a delicate balance with the intricate lives of Amazonian bees, Suárez Gómez planted several wild tree species to attract and sustain them, transforming La Ceiba into a vibrant garden. The success of this environmental and cultural project has significantly extended the flowering periods of trees, providing a lush landscape and subsistence for both the community and the bees.

Community Leader and Friend to Bees

Suárez Gómez, 58, draws upon his deep understanding of the planet’s enigmas. He was born and raised in the village of Monfort, a small hamlet on the Brazilian border. In collaboration with his wife, Silvia Perez, a member of the Indigenous Puinave community, Suárez Gómez has become a community leader, driving positive change in La Ceiba.

The introduction of meliponiculture has not only enhanced honey production but has also altered La Ceiba’s economic landscape. With flowering trees attracting these essential pollinators, the community’s once-modest agricultural activities have flourished, providing families with increased food and fruit supplies.

Tourism

Tourism has also played a pivotal role in La Ceiba’s economic transformation. Over recent years, the region has seen a surge in visitors, drawn to the area’s natural beauty. As La Ceiba attracted attention as a travel destination, the meliponiculture project gained momentum. What began as a conservation effort soon evolved into a source of income, with honey production becoming a focal point for La Ceiba’s economic sustainability.

Despite facing challenges in the journey, including initial struggles with funding and the complex dynamics of bee behavior, Suárez Gómez’s resilience and commitment paid off. The project, initially supported by the Ricola Foundation and the University of Pamplona, has now become a community-led initiative. The Association of Guainía Meliponiculturists, which Suárez Gómez and his colleagues formed, focuses on sustainable beekeeping practices and independent honey trade.

As La Ceiba opens its doors to tourists, the community invites visitors to explore the honey route, showcasing the intricate relationship between the community and its bee partners. The guided tours, which Suárez Gómez and his colleagues led, provide an immersive experience into the world of stingless bees, emphasizing the mutual respect that underlies this extraordinary alliance.

Changing the Lives of People and Bees

The story of La Ceiba is not just about beekeeping; it is a testament to the power of indigenous wisdom, environmental stewardship and community-led initiatives in alleviating poverty and fostering economic well-being. The story of La Ceiba unfolds as a testament to the potential of beekeeping for poverty alleviation, as Suárez Gómez’s project not only enhanced honey production but also altered the economic landscape of the community. Through the delicate dance between humans and bees, this initiative has not only revitalized ecosystems but has also become a sustainable model for coexistence, offering a unique solution to the complex issue of poverty in the region.

Mirali Shukla
Photo: Flickr