VERSION IN SPANISH HERE

This petition is to support a law modification to legally recognize stingless bees, and to protect all Peru’ bees and their ecosystems before they go extinct.

Peru is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world, harboring a wide spectrum of species found nowhere else in the world, from the Amazon jungle to the Andes mountains. This remarkable biodiversity positions Peru as a leading agricultural nation, supplying foods we all enjoy daily such as coffee, avocado, quinoa, asparagus, grapes and more.

This biodiversity includes and largely depends on bees, both the stinging variety (honey bees) and the stingless bees (which cannot sting). Out of the 500+ stingless bee species worldwide, Peru is home to around 175 native species in the Amazon alone.

Unfortunately, due to limited awareness, institutional support and legal recognition, stingless bees have been massively overlooked. Approximately 2 in 3 Peruvians are unaware that stingless bees exist in the country, stingless beekeepers (mostly found in the Amazon) do not receive support, and their honey cannot be labeled as “honey” for national or international trade, excluding local markets.

Why stingless bees matter:

• They may be more efficient pollinators of local crops compared to honey bees, which agricultural companies import from abroad into Peru for pollination services
• They produce therapeutic honey that is key in traditional Peruvian medicine
• They are an essential component of indigenous cultures, particularly in the Amazon, where locals perceive bees as friends and family members
• They provide a reliable source of income to local communities, offering an alternative to destructive deforestation practices 

Currently, there’s one Law in Peru (N. 26305) that declares of national interest the promotion and raising of stinging bees. However, two crucial things are missing in this law: 

1) The inclusion of stingless bees: We propose the inclusion of stingless bees in the law, recognizing their importance and contribution to ecosystems and biodiversity.

2) A call for the conservation of all bees: We urge for the conservation of all bees and their rights to exist, both stinging and stingless varieties, and the protection of their ecosystems. Unhealthy or damaged ecosystems can displace bees and pose threats to their well-being. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the recognition of the intrinsic value and rights of bees, as well as their ecosystems, at a national level.

By including these provisions in the law, we aim to promote comprehensive conservation efforts for bees and their habitats in Peru, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of these vital pollinators.

This petition is currently undergoing revision by the Commission of Agriculture of the Peruvian Congress. The fate of these proposals and the possibility of the petition advancing to a congressional vote rest in their hands.

We invite you to join us in displaying your support for the protection of all bees in Peru by adding your name to this petition. Together, let's make our voices heard and demonstrate the global support for legally safeguarding bees and their ecosystems in Peru.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Ph.D., and Amazon Research Internacional

Cesar Delgado Vásquez, scientist at Institute of Investigation of the Peruvian Amazon

Constanza Prieto, Javier Ruiz, and Earth Law Center 

Photo by Luis García

Foto de Ana Elisa Sotelo