Family creates more than 20 stingless bee hives in their backyard, in Macapá

The project combines environmental preservation with the production of honey of high commercial and medicinal value. Brazil is home to around 250 species of stingless bees spread across different ecosystems. In the Amazon, the scenario is favorable for the regional market. Family creates more than 20 stingless bee hives in their backyard, in Macapá. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica Origin in the pandemic The initiative gained strength with electrical engineer and meliponist Takao Meguro Portal, who returned from São Paulo to Amapá during the period of social isolation. Initially, the honey was intended for his mother's consumption in cooking and in the treatment of respiratory sequelae caused by the coronavirus. The interest in domestic breeding arose in the family, as Takao's father had previous experience with managing stinging bees of the Apis mellifera species. "These native bees have been managed since the time of the Mayan people, who were one of the first meliponiculture codices in the world. They already existed before European bees, which entered here in America. Honey from this type of bee was used in the sacred drinks of the Mayans and has very, very potent medicinal properties", highlights Portal. Electrical engineer and meliponist Takao Meguro Portal. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica ? Routine and care in handling Maintaining a meliponary at home requires a rigorous routine of inspections. The producer warns that bees are sensitive and susceptible to pests. "We have to be very careful when bringing a hive into the meliponary. Respect the quarantine period. Management has to be done very carefully. I always advise meliponic farmers who are entering the area: take a course so as not to make mistakes in any maneuver, because it is a very sensitive animal", recommends Portal. Family creates more than 20 stingless bee hives in their backyard, in Macapá. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica The production process requires patience. From the division of a hive considered "matrix", it takes around three months of adequate management for the swarm to gain strength. Only after this period are the supers installed — upper modules of the box where the bees begin to deposit the honey. The flavor and color of the product not only depend on the species of bee, but mainly on the flowering season. The variations in flowers in the region determine whether the honey will be lighter, darker, sweeter or with acidic notes with each harvest. ?Rules and limits by law For those who want to start the activity within urban areas, the breeder makes an important warning: although they do not have a stinger, bees have their own defense mechanisms and are delicate animals. The recommendation is to seek technical training before purchasing the swarms. Furthermore, Portal reinforces that nests should never be taken directly from nature, except in cases of rescue, such as when a tree falls and the swarm is at risk of dying. Brazilian legislation also imposes limits: amateur breeders can keep up to 49 boxes at home. For squads that exceed this number, it is mandatory to obtain authorizations and licenses from environmental agencies. Family creates more than 20 stingless bee hives in their backyard, in Macapá. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica Matriz and Melgueiras are essential for honey production. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica Family creates more than 20 stingless bee hives in their backyard, in Macapá. Carlos Cardozo/Rede Amazônica VIDEOS with news from Amapá: