Patrimonio biocultural sobre las abejas sin aguijón en Huehuetlan El Grande, Puebla, México: status y perspectivas

Abstract

Mexico has a rich biocultural heritage centered around stingless bees, largely due to the medicinal properties of their honey. At the same time, the people who create and guard this heritage face serious social and environmental threats. The Mixteca Poblana region is located south of Puebla and presents great biological and cultural diversity; however, it faces strong socio-environmental pressures. The objective of this work is to document the biocultural heritage and local ecological knowledge surrounding stingless bees in the Huehuetlan El Grande region of the Mixteca Poblana region. From 2017 to 2024, we conducted field sampling, interviews, and workshops in the municipality of Huehuetlan El Grande to explore the biocultural heritage and ecological knowledge surrounding stingless bees. The results show that 1) there are 5 species of stingless bees in the region, 2) local people possess a rich biocultural heritage and ecological knowledge surrounding stingless bees and their honey, 3) there is no sustainable management of stingless bee hives, 4) ecological knowledge and biocultural heritage are being lost, 5) most young people are unaware of stingless bees. This deterioration of biocultural heritage is compounded by the pressing socio-environmental problems in the region, such as mining, the excessive use of pesticides, and the uncontrolled growth of unplanned tourism. A comprehensive approach is required that allows for the joint action of villagers, local authorities, and school teachers.