Afforestation with honey-producing fruit trees

The origins of TZELTAL-TZOTZIL (Cooperativa de producción Tzeltal-Tzotzil), based in San Cristóbal de las Casas (in the Mexican state of Chiapas), go back to the Asociación Selva Lacandona, founded in 1986 as self-help organization of small-scale beekeepers. The cooperative supports its members in the production, marketing and export of organic honey and coffee. Currently the organization is grouping 88 producers, living in the communities of Pantelhó, San Juan Cancuc, Simojouel, Chaichihutan and Chenalho.

Throughout the years, the beekeeping activity of members has been affected by climate change consequences such as excess rainfall, cold fronts or periods of drought. In order to cope with those impacts, the cooperative is planning to plant new fruit trees. This afforestation program –  besides improving local temperature regulation and humidity conditions –  would ensure different benefits for the farmers: it would broaden the surface for the beekeeping activity hence the honey production; it would increase the presence of trees which can be attractive for the pollination carried out by the bees; it would produce fruits that can feed the local communities.