Ericles Charles Silva Melo
The 4th largest biome in Brazil, the Caatinga, is undergoing a significant process of desertification. A crucial ally in preventing this decline in vegetation is pollinating insects. Native stingless bees are masters at pollinating the native plant species of this biome, being specialised in effectively extracting resources from flowers as well as aiding in the reproduction of these plants. Stingless bees stand out as a key element for its preservation.
By protecting these bees and the natural environments they inhabit, we are investing in the sustainability of our planet and the preservation of nature's wonders for future generations. Our aim includes the creation of an illustrated educational manual, addressing the current issues of the region, the fauna and flora of native bees, and their interaction with the environment, based on popular knowledge.
From this, we will schedule collaborative meetings with local producers and promote lectures that reach the entire community, including public schools. We will establish strategic partnerships with educational spaces, facilitating community access to scientific knowledge in an engaging and didactic manner through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Our main goal is social contribution in the form of environmental education, involving the management and protection of stingless bees in the Caatinga, as well as indirectly contributing to the conservation of local biodiversity.
This project enables the inclusion of young people and women in businesses related to meliponiculture, bee breeding, and entrepreneurship, as it promotes economic sustainability, strengthens local communities, and preserves the environment. Among the key themes, this study enhances economic empowerment, income diversification, preservation of traditional knowledge, sustainable rural development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 15, mainly the goals of ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and their services in arid lands, in this case, the Caatinga, and empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status in a hegemonic application of action.