Summary
On January 9, 2025, the Government of Peru enacted Law No. 32235, declaring the Native Stingless Bee (genus Melipona) a matter of national interest and the flora it depends on a national treasure. “”Melipona flora”” refers to the relationship between bees and the plant world (flora) that they pollinate and feed on. These stingless bees are important pollinators and play a crucial role in local plant diversity by using different plant species as nectar and pollen sources depending on their environment.
As Peru’s first law of its kind, it aims to promote the reforestation, conservation, and scientific study of these bees and their associated ecosystems. A key objective is to advance meliponiculture—the traditional practice of stingless beekeeping—as a sustainable economic activity.
This national legislation has already inspired local policy. For instance, in October 2025, the Provincial Municipality of Satipo passed a landmark Ordinance recognizing the Rights of Native Stingless Bees. This pioneering local law grants these bees inherent rights, including the right to exist, maintain healthy populations, and live in a sustainable and pollution-free environment.
Related Initiatives
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/peru-national-law-stingless-bees-a-matter-of-national-interest/.
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