Local ecological knowledge of beekeeping with stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Central Veracruz, Mexico

Beekeeping with stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini), an ancient activity in Mesoamerica, is still practiced and considered culturally important in many areas. It is part of a rich legacy of biocultural diversity, as it represents cultural expressions that have developed over time as a result of the interaction with the natural world. In this study we present the local ecological knowledge (LEK) associated with traditional stingless beekeeping in Atzalan, Veracruz, Mexico. We identified the diversity of managed bee species, LEK in terms of food resources for bees, types of bee management practices, as well as how this knowledge is transmitted and transformed. We also analyzed the terminology locally used for the practice, its uses, as well as perceptions of how beekeeping is changing in light of land use change. We found that in Atzalan, stingless beekeeping is common among its inhabitants, and it is associated with a strong LEK over its ecology, practice, and associated uses of bee products. Unlike other regions in Mexico where stingless beekeeping is diminishing, in Atzalan it is flourishing, driven by a market demand. However, land use changes and agricultural intensification in the area may threaten its long-term viability. We consider that this practice should be accompanied by integrated landscape planning for sustainable landscapes, where enrichment planting and maintenance of agroforestry systems can enhance resources for bee production. In these terms, conservation of the biocultural diversity associated with stingless bee management can be key to bee diversity and its associated flora, while considering livelihood strategies.