Unlocking Sustainability: The Role of Stingless Bees in Apiculture

March 28, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, ensuring the continuity of various ecosystems and the sustenance of countless plant species, including those vital for agriculture. However, this essential partnership between bees and flowering plants is threatened due to declining bee populations, which poses significant challenges to the apiculture industry worldwide. Amidst these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope in the form of stingless bees, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional beekeeping practices. Let’s explore how these fascinating creatures transform the landscape of apiculture and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

The Buzz of Decline: Colony Collapse Disorder and its Impact

According to Dr. Cleofas R. Cervancia, president of Apimondia Regional Commission in Asia, the apiculture industry is grappling with a concerning trend known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This phenomenon, characterized by the sudden disappearance of worker bees from hives, has been linked to various factors, including the vulnerabilities of introduced bee species like Apis mellifera used in commercial beekeeping. These imported bee species are often more susceptible to pests and diseases, leading to increased reliance on miticides and antibiotics, which pose challenges for both bee health and the sustainability of beekeeping practices.

Moreover, the narrow gene pool of Apis mellifera in Asia necessitates the continuous importation of queens from abroad, further exacerbating the strain on resources and undermining the long-term viability of beekeeping as a sustainable industry in the region. Dr. Cervancia underscores the urgent need for alternative strategies to revitalize the apiculture sector and address its pressing challenges.

Promoting Indigenous Solutions: The Rise of Stingless Bees

In response to the dwindling pollinators and the unsustainable practices associated with commercial beekeeping, efforts are underway to promote indigenous bee species as a more sustainable alternative. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), in collaboration with the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), has spearheaded the project “Commercialization of Beekeeping Technologies: Product Processing and Bee Production in Select Communities in Luzon.” This initiative, led by Dr. Cervancia, seeks to harness the potential of local bee species, including Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, and most notably, Trigona spp. or stingless bees.

Stingless Bees: The Bee of the Future

Stingless bees, also known as Trigona spp., have emerged as a beacon of hope for the apiculture industry. They offer a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional beekeeping practices. Dr. Cervancia describes stingless bees as the “Bee of the Future” due to their abundance in the wild and ability to produce high-value products, including honey, pollen, and propolis.

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees and used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, is of particular interest because of its remarkable potential. Dr. Cervancia highlights its high clinical value, citing its potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. In countries like Korea and Japan, propolis is extracted and utilized in apitherapy, demonstrating its promising role in medical applications.

Empowering Beekeepers: Technological Innovations and Capacity Building

Central to the success of sustainable beekeeping initiatives is the empowerment of beekeepers through technological innovations and capacity-building efforts. The project led by UPLB includes the development of the package of technologies (PoTs) aimed at enhancing beekeepers’ skills in managing native bee species, particularly stingless bees.

Moreover, establishing techno demo farms and apiaries is a practical showcase of sustainable beekeeping practices, providing beekeepers with hands-on training and demonstrating the economic viability of stingless bee farming. Ms. Luz Z. Gamba, owner of Balay Buhay sa Uma apiary farm in Sorsogon, attests to the transformative impact of these initiatives, highlighting the role of demo farms in fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring confidence among beekeepers.

Processing Bee Products: Hygiene and Quality Standards

In addition to beekeeping techniques, the processing of bee products is a critical component of sustainable apiculture. Dr. Cervancia emphasizes the importance of adhering to strict hygiene and quality standards in bee product processing, ensuring the safety and efficacy of products derived from bees, including propolis used in cosmetics and medicine.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, harnessing the potential of indigenous bee species like stingless bees, and prioritizing the development of value-added bee products, the apiculture industry can overcome the challenges posed by declining bee populations and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Final Thoughts

The journey towards sustainability in the apiculture industry hinges on embracing innovative approaches, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and nurturing a deep appreciation for the invaluable role of bees in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. With stingless bees leading the charge as the “Bee of the Future,” the buzz of optimism reverberates across beekeeping communities, signaling a promising path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for apiculture.