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Abstract

In Yucatan it is produced between ten thousand and fifteen thousand tons of honey per year; more than
eleven thousand Mayan-speaking beekeepers in rural areas depend on the economic flow from this
income. However, due the absence of an organized incentive program for apiculture, there is no synergy
between the components of this system. This results in a weak system unable to face latent external
threats that could cause the extinction of bees, jeopardizing other income-producing activities such as
agriculture, cattle industry and forestry. In this article, presented at the 6th International Sustainability
Congress 2019, in México, is shown qualitative research on the emerging existence of Apicultural
Product System in two regions of Yucatan. The main objective is to analyze the current situation of
beekeeping in two municipalities of Yucatan, belonging to the western and northwestern region, the
key actors that are members of this system, analyzing their level of preparation and capacity to fight
external threats to Yucatecan beekeeping. Preliminary results obtained through the documentary
review shows a lack of policies aimed at strengthening agro-ecological over conventional crops and
absences of strategic alliances.