Local efforts are underway to protect the 16 species of Mayan bees native to Yucatán, whose contributions to traditional medicine play a vital role in treating various ailments like infections and eye diseases. By focusing on these native bees, conservationists aim to preserve a key element of the region’s cultural and ecological heritage.
José Che, administrator of the Parque Apícola de Meliponas Xkopek in Valladolid, leads this initiative. Although the park operates in Valladolid, its natural bee products—derived from the sweet honey the local bees produce—have gained popularity in Mérida and beyond. According to Che, very few places still care for these important insects, making Xkopek a rare stronghold for Mayan bee conservation.
“Our main focus is environmental education and the conservation of native bees. It’s not just about the melipona: there are 16 species in the Yucatán Peninsula. We want people to know about them so they can help us preserve them,” Che emphasized. By raising awareness of all 16 Mayan bee species, the park hopes to inspire locals and visitors alike to participate in conservation efforts and recognize the bees’ ecological value.
To achieve this goal, Xkopek offers a guided tour through its facilities. Visitors can observe the native melipona bees foraging among the local flora, watch them carry out pollination in their natural habitat, and learn how a nearby dry cenote contributes to the survival of these species. Che explains that the cenote’s ecosystem supports a range of life forms that coexist with the bees, underlining the interconnectedness of Yucatán’s unique environment.
Xkopek’s honey store has expanded its reach to Mérida, where its honey has outpaced traditional varieties in popularity. The distinctive flavor and ancestral medicinal properties of melipona honey attract consumers who value both taste and health benefits. According to Che, locals and visitors now prefer this honey not only for its unique sweetness but also because, for generations, people in the region have used it to treat cataracts, skin infections, and other similar ailments.
Each Mayan bee species specializes in pollinating a specific range of plants and flowers, which makes conserving both the bees and their floral partners essential. “If we lose any one of these bee species, we might also lose some types of local flora,” said Che. This link between bee and plant biodiversity underscores why Xkopek’s education programs emphasize preserving the full spectrum of native species, rather than focusing on a single honey-producing variety.
Native melipona bees produce only one to one and a half kilograms of honey per year, compared to non-native bees that can yield up to 20 kilograms annually. Despite this lower yield, the medicinal value and cultural significance of melipona honey drive Xkopek’s conservation mission. By highlighting the bees’ limited production, Che hopes to encourage sustainable harvesting practices that do not threaten the bees’ survival.
In a region where only a few sites still nurture Mayan bees, the efforts at Xkopek Apiary Park stand out as a model for conservation and education. Through tours, locally sourced products, and community outreach, the park works to ensure that “16 Mayan bee species Yucatán” remain an integral part of both the environment and local culture. As demand for melipona honey grows, Xkopek aims to balance consumer interest with responsible stewardship, preserving these native bees for future generations.
