Summary
On 9 January 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. The stingless bee is an important pollinator that plays a crucial role in local biodiversity by using different plant species as nectar and pollen sources depending on their environment. “Melipona flora” refers to the relationship between bees and the plants (flora) that they pollinate and feed on. The new law 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.
The national legislation has informed subsequent local policy. In October 2025, the Municipality of Satipo passed an Ordinance recognizing the rights of native stingless bees, which grants these bees inherent rights, including the right to exist, maintain healthy populations, and live in a sustainable and pollution-free environment. In December 2025, the Municipality of Nauta passed a similar Ordinance on the rights of stingless bees.
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. 2026. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/peru-national-law-stingless-bees-a-matter-of-national-interest/.
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