Presentation: 

Bee Keeper, Vilma Rivera Velasco, describes how her family has cared for bees (ñuñus) through 4 generations in the hills of the Oaxacan Mixteca. She will describe the types of bees found in Oaxaca, distinguishing those that can be domesticated, while focusing on the two species her family houses for their varied uses. Vilma will describe the gradual process of moving the wild bees to their new homes. And finally, Vilma will discuss some of the many challenges Oaxacan bee-keepers have to deal with. Katya Alejandra Caravantes Lopez, a biologist friend and teacher, will be assisting. The talk will be followed by questions from the audience and a chance to purchase products from the Nicutawui bees, themselves.

Presenters: 

Vilma Rivera is a beekeeper from the Mixtec region of Oaxaca, from a small town called Minas de Llano Verde. She hails from a family with a rich history of producing many various products from the natural environment for many generations. A trained engineer, Vilma currently teaches mathematics and English language at the Oaxaca High School. Vilma and her friend, biologist Katya Caravantes, are creating projects designed to teach the public to conserve and breed endemic bees living within their region. They are creating networks of beekeepers from different areas in the state of Oaxaca to share their knowledge with great affection for the bees and the Oaxacan environment.