Our integrated beekeeping operation, “Yuumil Kaab,” was created with the support of the OCFP-Mayan Zone S.C. and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) with the goal of diversifying community production toward non-timber products that contribute to the conservation of the Mayan forest.
Likewise, the organization and training of beekeepers is supported by these organizations so as to improve production practices. The production, storage and commercialization of pure honey generates employment and allows the beekeepers to obtain a greater economic benefit for their families.
This project is made up of 11 micro-industrial co-ops that bring together 110 indigenous Mayan beekeepers and their families from the communities of Filomeno Mata, Yoactún, X-pichil, Dzoyolá, Kopchen, Kampocolche, Yaxley, Naranjal Poniente, Trapich, Chan Santa Cruz y Chancah Derrepente that are located in the heart of the Mayan zone of Quintana Roo. The producers are heirs to a millennial tradition represented by the god Ah Muzencab, of whom it is said,: He carries the sky, and whose name signifies He who protects and looks after honey.
The honey of Yuumil Kaab is obtained from the nectar of the flowers of diverse tree species, such as the Dzidzilché, Chechem, Chacá, Kanchunup, Tzalam and more than 40 melliferous (honey-producing) species that can be found in the Mayan forest (Villanueva 2001).
Beekeeping has been fundamental in the conservation of the forest’s biodiversity through the pollination of a wide variety of plant species by the bees.
Likewise, the organization and training of beekeepers is supported by these organizations so as to improve production practices. The production, storage and commercialization of pure honey generates employment and allows the beekeepers to obtain a greater economic benefit for their families.
This project is made up of 11 micro-industrial co-ops that bring together 110 indigenous Mayan beekeepers and their families from the communities of Filomeno Mata, Yoactún, X-pichil, Dzoyolá, Kopchen, Kampocolche, Yaxley, Naranjal Poniente, Trapich, Chan Santa Cruz y Chancah Derrepente that are located in the heart of the Mayan zone of Quintana Roo. The producers are heirs to a millennial tradition represented by the god Ah Muzencab, of whom it is said,: He carries the sky, and whose name signifies He who protects and looks after honey.
The honey of Yuumil Kaab is obtained from the nectar of the flowers of diverse tree species, such as the Dzidzilché, Chechem, Chacá, Kanchunup, Tzalam and more than 40 melliferous (honey-producing) species that can be found in the Mayan forest (Villanueva 2001).
Beekeeping has been fundamental in the conservation of the forest’s biodiversity through the pollination of a wide variety of plant species by the bees.
