Ximena Velez-Liendo, a renowned conservationist, is making headlines for her innovative approach to saving Andean bears through honey production. Her work not only contributes to the preservation of these magnificent creatures but also highlights the importance of women’s economic opportunities in the formal private sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) faces significant threats, including habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic-caused mortality related to hunting and other human activities. Velez-Liendo’s project aims to reduce human-bear conflicts by promoting sustainable honey production in areas where these conflicts are most prevalent. By providing local communities with an alternative source of income, she hopes to reduce the incentive for illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
Honey Production and Andean Bear Conservation
Velez-Liendo’s innovative approach combines Andean bear conservation with the promotion of sustainable honey production. By establishing honey production initiatives in areas where human-bear conflicts are prevalent, she aims to create economic opportunities for local communities while also reducing the pressure on Andean bear populations.