Meli Bees Network

Meli Bees Network gUG is an independent organization dedicated to supporting and empowering indigenous peoples and local communities in vulnerable areas. Founded by a new generation of Amazon leaders who grew up in the most threatened areas of the Amazon, Meli aims to stop environmentally destructive practices and promote regenerative practices led by local communities.

The main mission of Meli is to lead a bottom-up movement for climate justice by supporting indigenous and local communities in their efforts for environmental regeneration. Meli advocates for the autonomy and territory management of these communities and promotes global networking to finance and implement community-led projects. The organization is based on a holistic approach that connects cultural, spiritual, regenerative, and ecological aspects.

• Meliponiculture: Meli promotes the care and management of native, stingless bees (Meliponini) as a regenerative tool to protect the most threatened areas in the Amazon. This includes developing databases to support the best available practices for beekeeping and using geotechnologies to monitor forests and bee habitats[2][4].
• Agroforestry: Meli works on developing agroforestry practices that align with the flower preferences of native bees to create highly productive fields and increase food production[2][4].
• Community-Led Projects: The organization supports community-led projects tailored to the needs and knowledge of local communities. This includes workshops, the establishment and monitoring of beehive areas, and the development of scientific studies in partnership with local research institutes[2][4].
• Education and Communication: Meli develops educational projects to spread knowledge about native bees in the Amazon region and ensures transparent communication between local communities and the international public[5].

Meli focuses on several key sustainability goals:

• Environmental Protection: By promoting regenerative practices and protecting forests, Meli contributes to the preservation of local biodiversity and the reduction of carbon emissions[2][4].
• Cultural Preservation: The organization strengthens the cultural identity and traditional practices of indigenous and local communities by integrating their knowledge and values into projects[2][5].
• Economic Security: Meli supports the economic development of communities through the commercialization of bee-based products and the creation of jobs[4].
• Education and Science: By collaborating with local universities and research institutes, Meli promotes community-based science and the production of scientific knowledge that serves the needs of the communities[4].

Meli has already achieved a significant impact by:

• Supporting and promoting local biodiversity.
• Strengthening community resilience through the support of community-led projects.
• Promoting citizen science by involving communities in scientific research.
• Preserving and promoting education and cultural heritage.
• Improving food security and economic security through the development of sustainable agricultural practices[2][4].

Through this holistic and community-centered approach, Meli works to create a sustainable and just future for indigenous and local communities in the Amazon region.

• 1 - https://movingworlds.org/organization/1499
• 2 - https://www.meli-bees.org
• 3 - https://www.humintech.com/de/
• 4 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/sustainable-food-systems/solutions/25688
• 5 - https://www.meli-bees.org/who-are-we/