More Stingless Bee Breeding training held in the Trocano Project.
In the heart of the Amazon, the Trocano Araretama Project continues its vital mission of sustainable development and environmental preservation. Training in the practice of breeding and management of native stingless bees – known as meliponiculture – is an initiative implemented by the Trocano Project for the local communities.
Bee Breeding is a buzzing success
The journey into meliponiculture education began in July 2022, with initial courses sparking a widespread interest among local communities. The success and positive feedback from these earlier sessions led to a growing demand for additional training courses to be held, culminating in the recent Araruni course.
Moreover, this initiative not only reinforces our commitment to sustainable development but also responds directly to the community’s request for deeper knowledge and skills in stingless bee breeding. The community members were also keen to participate as there are many associated benefits for the environment as well as economic benefits to the community and families within them.
Recap of the training course held in September
Building on the success of previous meliponiculture courses, the Trocano team recently embarked on a training session in the Araruni Community. Consequently, this course, held on September 14, 2023, represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to empowering communities through sustainable practices.
The Training Commences
The day started promptly at 8:00 am, with 25 dedicated residents gathering to expand their knowledge. The opening ceremony featured Environmental Consultant Jorge Felipe from the Trocano team. Also, the community president Mr. Eudes Alves gave an inspiring welcome speech.
Jorge Felipe delved into the course’s significance for the community, emphasizing the responsible utilization of forest resources for economic benefit. Mr. Eudes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the course’s value in enhancing family incomes through newfound skills and knowledge.
Inclusive Course Structure
This meliponiculture course, spanning 16 hours over two days, balanced theory and practical experience, which included 4 hours of theoretical instruction with 12 hours of hands-on practice. The curriculum was meticulously designed to cater to participants with varying literacy levels. We integrated easy-to-understand handouts and visual aids into the program to facilitate the learning.
Following the theoretical segment of the course, participants were divided into smaller groups for practical learning, fostering a focused and effective educational environment.
Meliponiculture course includes hands-on learning
The afternoon sessions were all about hands-on experience. This was starting with a live demonstration of bee transfer using a local resident’s bee trunk. We covered all essential skills in sustainable stingless bee breeding, from preparing the bee boxes to safely relocating the queen bee and her colony.
More knowledge and skills on day two
Subsequently, the following day, participants actively engaged in transferring different bee species. They were able to apply the knowledge gained from previous sessions and guided by our skilled team.
The course concluded with a comprehensive review and discussion on post-transfer care. We followed this by a snack break, organised by Trocano team member Luana.
The closing ceremony was a reflective and proud moment, highlighting the course’s impact and the community’s appreciation. Jorge Felipe expressed heartfelt thanks to the community. He presented Environmental Awareness Plates to the community president, reaffirming our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Course concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony
This Meliponiculture course has been a testament to the power of knowledge-sharing and community engagement. It represents a significant milestone in our ongoing journey with the Araruni Community and the broader Trocano Araretama Project.
The positive feedback from participants and the enthusiasm of our technical team are clear indicators of the program’s success and its potential for future initiatives. We are committed to community-driven education and sustainable practices. This fosters both environmental preservation and economic development for the Trocano Project residents.
