THE APICLUB BOLIVIA

Not all of us are very familiar with honey. We know that bees are the workers of that sticky delicacy, and we also know that we feel a bit afraid when they fly too close to us. However, we are not aware of the wisdom and resilience of bees, nor of all they can contribute to us without asking for anything in return. In this context, the question arises of how we can repay these favors, how we can thank nature, and how we can coexist with it without harming or causing damage.

Bolivian beekeepers, before being beekeepers, are nature lovers and admirers of bees. Their passion for beekeeping is evident, but there is still much to learn and discover in Bolivia, where nature abounds, and its wild roar resonates in our hearts as we move away from the cities. It is necessary to refine and perfect the knowledge and beekeeping techniques in this country to harness the full potential that apiculture has ahead. This is how ApiClub emerged less than a year ago, with the powerful idea of bringing the world closer to the universe of bees, not only to better protect and respect them but also to improve the quality of hive products that Bolivia can offer.

In Bolivia, there is a need for developed beekeeping techniques and suitable conditions to produce high-quality honey. For example, the need to use dehumidifiers in high humidity areas to prevent honey fermentation and maintain its qualities for a longer time is unknown. This lack of knowledge makes us reflect on how connected we, city dwellers, are to the roots of the natural world. Thus, ApiClub holds meetings (every 2 or 3 weeks) to share knowledge and monthly workshops with experts to discuss various topics such as flowering or disease treatment. Over 50 beekeepers from Potosí, La Paz, Sucre, Beni, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz… have the opportunity to learn and support each other through advice, clarified doubts, and new techniques that leverage their talents and passions.

Luis Hector Vicente, an active member of ApiClub, shares his inspiration to continue in the world of beekeeping: “When I’m in the apiary, I experience unparalleled tranquility. In addition to the care for nature that we carry out, it fills me with satisfaction to know that we are protecting the natural environment while producing food and medicine through hive products.” Beekeeping is not just about consuming and producing honey; it’s about establishing an emotional connection with beings that, for some reason, decided to take care of us. In return, as indicated by another ApiClub member, Roberto C. Reyna Pérez, we contribute our bit to a world that is getting worse every day. He is fascinated by how bees carry out their work and believes that we can learn from them. His goal is to grow and have more hives to pass on beekeeping knowledge to future generations.

Roberto Reyna Pérez, Santa Cruz

ApiClub represents a collaborative pact with Pachamama (Mother Earth). It is a space where teachings and techniques are shared to enable all beekeepers, whether enthusiasts or experts, to grow. However, this growth is not about building a ruthless business that harms bees but rather about community-based growth and environmental protection. Joining ApiClub involves collectively understanding the honesty and ethical values of beekeeping.

Luis Héctor Vicente, La Paz

Beekeeping in Bolivia provides an opportunity to connect with life itself and disconnect from the falsehood of humans as a more intelligent being. Yes, we can be intelligent, but wisdom exists in more species than our own. ApiClub emerges as a space to protect and respect these crucial beings, as well as to enhance the quality of honey in the country. Through beekeeping, we can honor nature and the humans who seek to understand and preserve it.