Unprecedented regulation boosts meliponiculture in Pará State, Brazil

The Pará State Environmental Council (Coema) published resolution No. 184 on September 23, 2024, which establishes guidelines for meliponiculture, an activity dedicated to raising native stingless bees. The new legislation provides guidance on environmental licensing and defines criteria for the sustainable use and management of these species. Embrapa Amazônia Oriental played a fundamental role in drafting and approving the resolution, providing technical information and training producers to foster the local market. From now on, meliponiculturists in Pará will be able to create, manage, transport, multiply and sell hives, in addition to obtaining bee products and byproducts for sale or family consumption. The necessary environmental license can be requested from the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainability (Semas). Producers with up to 99 hives are exempt from the license, but must register with the agricultural inspection agency. Previously, the legislation ...