Mexico’s Supreme Court To Consider Whether Maya Stingless Bees Should Have Legal Rights
Mexico’s Supreme Court is set to consider whether native stingless bees should have legal rights, a case brought by Maya communities who say the insects are vital to their culture, livelihoods and the ecosystems they help sustain.
The case involves melipona bees in the municipality of Hopelchén, where Maya communities have maintained traditional relationships with the species for generations. The communities are asking the court to grant the bees legal standing and recognize traditional beekeepers as their guardians and representatives.