Stingless bees in tropical dry forests: global context and challenges of an integrated conservation management

Stingless bees are one of the most significant pollinators within tropical dry forests, and both are threatened by the impact of human activity on the environment. The loss of habitat of this pollinator is due to activities like deforestation of large areas for the purpose of intensive agriculture, agricultural burning, urbanization processes, and the use of agrochemicals and pesticides. The breeding of stingless bees or meliponiculture may serve as a promising tool to contribute to the conservation of these forests. Numerous indigenous groups have managed this group of bees since pre-Columbian times. The Mayan civilization reached the summit of these management techniques. After various centuries of decline and abandonment, this practice is experiencing a significant surge due to the great potential it presents, since it generates mutually reinforcing economic, social, and ecological incentives. This paper aims to provide a global perspective of the relationship between the breeding of stingless bees and the conservation of tropical dry forests. Presently, there are numerous initiatives regarding the use of meliponiculture as a key element for the sustainable development of rural communities and the conservation of both stingless bees and tropical dry forests. It is significant to integrate the efforts aimed at preserving dry forest ecosystems and the research regarding the different aspects of the management and breeding of these stingless bees, which are at the foundation of identifying and implementing action plans regarding the management of these natural resources.