Belizean Beekeepers Embark on a Cross-Border Learning Expedition to Guatemala

Belizean Beekeepers Embark on a Cross-Border Learning Expedition to Guatemala

In an inspiring display of international collaboration and knowledge exchange, a group of 27 dedicated beekeepers from Belize recently ventured to Peten, Guatemala. This educational journey, a strategic initiative by the Resilient Rural Belize Programme alongside the Ministry of Agriculture Beekeeping Unit and the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, was designed to immerse the Belizean beekeepers in the advanced apiculture practices of their Guatemalan counterparts.

The beekeepers visited two renowned organizations in San Andrés, Peten: the Nuevo Campeche Co-Operative and the Selva Maya Association. These organizations are at the forefront of innovative beekeeping practices, including queen rearing, genetic improvement, and the development of honey by-products, all aimed at enhancing the sustainability and profitability of beekeeping.

This visit represents a significant step towards fostering a regenerative beekeeping ecosystem that not only promises economic benefits but also prioritizes environmental sustainability. By adopting and implementing these advanced techniques, Belizean beekeepers can contribute to the development of a more resilient and sustainable honey industry in Belize.

However, the journey was touched by tragedy with the sudden passing of Alvin Loredo, a passionate beekeeper from the Toledo District, underscoring the close-knit nature of the beekeeping community and the shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices even in the face of loss.

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, initiatives like this highlight the importance of cross-border learning and collaboration in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The knowledge and skills acquired by the Belizean beekeepers in Guatemala have the potential to transform the landscape of beekeeping in Belize, contributing to the global effort to protect our planet and its precious pollinators.

 A delegation of 27 beekeepers from Belize embarked on an educational journey to Peten, Guatemala, to enhance their beekeeping knowledge and skills. This initiative, facilitated by the Resilient Rural Belize Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture Beekeeping Unit, and the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, aimed to expose the Belizean beekeepers to advanced apiculture practices. During their visit, they engaged with two prominent Peten organizations, the Nuevo Campeche Co-Operative and the Selva Maya Association, to learn about queen rearing, genetic improvement, traceability, food safety, and honey by-products. This visit not only aimed at improving the beekeepers' technical capabilities but also at fostering a regenerative beekeeping system that promises both profitability and environmental sustainability. Tragically, the visit was marred by the sudden passing of Alvin Loredo, a participating beekeeper from the Toledo District, due to a heart attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the purpose of the Belizean beekeepers' visit to Guatemala?

   • The visit aimed to expose Belizean beekeepers to advanced beekeeping techniques and practices to enhance the profitability and environmental sustainability of their operations.

2. Which organizations did the Belizean beekeepers learn from during their visit?

   • They learned from the Nuevo Campeche Co-Operative and the Selva Maya Association, both based in San Andrés, Peten, Guatemala.

3. What are some of the key practices and techniques shared with the Belizean beekeepers?

   • Key practices included queen rearing, genetic improvement, traceability, food safety, and the production of honey by-products.

4. What is the significance of regenerative beekeeping?

   • Regenerative beekeeping focuses on practices that enhance the environmental sustainability and profitability of beekeeping, contributing positively to the ecosystem.

5. Was there any unfortunate event during the visit?

   • Yes, Alvin Loredo, a beekeeper from the Toledo District and participant in the visit, tragically passed away due to a heart attack during the trip.

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• #EnvironmentalSustainability
• #BelizeGuatemalaCollaboration
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