Meli Bees Network gUG is an independent organization that engages & empowers Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in vulnerable areas. We, collectively, lead a bottom-up process of environmental regeneration for climate justice.
We build Autonomy and Territory Stewardship with a Global Impact Network as we engage and dream together with +60 indigenous and local communities, connect them amongst peers and partners to fund community-led projects with human focus and a holistic approach.
Our goal is to promote the autonomy of individuals and communities through projects aimed at the management, creation of forests and environmentally balanced biomes for the promotion of life and human dignity of the communities.
What we do
At Meli, we are driven by a profound commitment to empower indigenous and local communities at the forefront of environmental regeneration. We actively empower them through network building, support for community-led projects, and amplifying community voices. We champion grassroots climate justice, connecting and engaging communities worldwide through the programs:
- Impact Networks:
Pollinators Fellowship - Community-Led Projects:
Pollinating Regeneration - Global Engagement
Why stingless bees?
We are inspired by Meliponini bees, the native pollinators because:
- They are local biodiversity
- Are connected with indigenous wisdom
- Live within cohesive hives
- They secure their livelihood…
- …While doing crucial ecosystem services!
Just like the bees, we support activities with positive impact on local biodiversity for land and people to flourish.
Our Approach
We support the territory stewardship from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, as it refers to management, protection, and sustainable use of land, resources, and ecosystems by IPLC who have traditional and ancestral ties to specific territories. It embodies a holistic approach to environmental conservation and cultural preservation rooted in indigenous knowledge, practices, and values.
For us, territory stewardship represents a holistic approach connecting key aspects:
- Cultural and Spiritual Connection between communities and their territories are integral to their identity, traditions, and way of life.
- Regenerative Practices traditional land-use techniques aligned with modern science and community-based governance promote long-term health and productivity of ecosystems.
- Community Engagement stewardship activities involve active participation and decision-making by members of the communities, drawing on traditional knowledge, customary laws, and collective decision-making processes.
- Biodiversity Integrity recognising the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for future generations.
- Land Rights and Sovereignty challenging colonial and extractive approaches to land management and advocating for self-determination over traditional territories.
- Intergenerational Approach exchanging knowledge, values, and responsibilities amongst elders, adults, youth and children, to ensure the well-being of present and future generations.
Focus and Programs
We coordinate Impact Networks, support Community-Led Projects, and amplify Contra-Colonial Voices. Check some of the activities:
You can also get involved and support us to develop such projects!
Communities
We engage communities in the following biomes:
- Amazon
- Cerrado
- Mata Atlântica
- Caatinga
- Pantanal
- Transition zone Amazon/Cerrado
[Updates coming soon]
Our Connections
The following groups and/or their members are a part of our journey:
[Updates coming soon]
Our Impact
Our projects positively impact (1) local biodiversity, (2) community resilience, (3) citizen science, (4) education and cultural heritage conservation, (5) food sovereignty and (6) economic security.
Read More!
Meli Bees Network gUG
Im Grund 26
88416 Ochsenhausen
hello@meli-bees.org
Account for donations:
IBAN: DE44430609671108044800
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
Contact us via hello@meli-bees.org