The economic and cultural values of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) among ethnic groups of tropical America

Abstract

Stingless honey bees— commonly known as stingless bees— have long provided food and materials to the inhabitants of tropical America. We conducted a literature search to codify available information, including non-peer reviewed ‘grey literature’, on the purported value of stingless bees to indigenous people. Among >400 species of Neotropical stingless bees several are widely used in beekeeping. Varied cultural and economic values are associated with their use, and in some cases husbandry, as a consequence of ongoing contact between people and these social insects. Adapting new species to husbandry is being attempted in many countries. The bees remain culturally important, and beliefs associated with them are significant for different groups, beyond utilization as commodities. We find values in food, craft, religion and medicine, with cultural values ranging from utilitarian to mythological.Values transmitted across generations allow cohesion and communal identity of native organisms associated with any indigenous society. Such cultural values seem in danger of extinction, primarily due to external factors. We provide examples of successful regional strategies in averting cultural and economic loss in natural human heritage, in this case bees that provide honey and other benefits. Preserving stingless bees and the cultural heritage around them provides a good example on how the sustainable use of native species can help in the development of indigenous communities. Bees are important agents for conservation of the environment.

Indigenous knowledge on ground-nesting stingless bees in southwestern Ethiopia

“…They are ecologically, economically and culturally important. For example, stingless bees contribute to the pollination of crops and wild plants (Slaa et al 2006), stingless bee honey can be sold for cash (Quezada-Euan et al 2018), and stingless bee honey is used in the treatment of several diseases (Kumar et al 2012, Rao et al 2016. Meliponiculture, which is beekeeping with stingless bees, takes place across the world, but is most advanced, and has the longest history, in the Neotropics (Quezada-Euán et al 2001, Cortopassi-Laurino et al 2006.…”

Biocultural approaches to pollinator conservation

“…Beekeeping provides a critical anchor for rural economies because: (1) minimal investment is required; (2) diverse products can be sold; (3) land ownership or rental is usually not necessary; (4) nutritional and medicinal benefits derive; (5) timing and location of activities are flexible; and (6) links to ILK and traditions are usually numerous 12 . Recovery of stingless beekeeping for rural livelihoods, with diverse species and techniques, is currently underway globally, particularly in tropical America 13 , India, Africa, Central and South America (Figure 2a) 10 . Honey hunting makes significant contributions to some IPLCs, providing vital sustenance and deep connections with quality of life ( Figure 2b).…”

“…hives made from cane lined with leaves, and woven baskets covered with mud and dung [24][25][26] ). In Meso-America, indigenous peoples us hollow logs and clay pots to keep stingless bees 13 .…”

Pot-Pollen and Pot-Honey from Stingless Bees of the Alto Balsas, Michoacán, Mexico: Botanical and Physicochemical Characteristics

“…Stingless bees have been of great economic importance for the production of honey, a product that has been used since ancient times, and particularly in the case of Mexico, have been part of the social and religious life of different cultural groups [4].…”