Resumen

VERA, María Beatriz Zambrano  y  ZAMBRANO, Rosa Victoria González. Participatory environmental management plan for the conservation of natural bee habitats in Geotrigona, Eloy Alfaro-Chone parish. RCTU [online]. 2025, vol.12, n.2, pp.15-28. ISSN 1390-7697.  https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26423/gct2dd62.

The overall objective of this study was to propose a participatory environmental management plan that effectively contributes to the conservation of Geotrigona bees at the Balzar 3 site in the Eloy Alfaro parish of the Chone canton. The methodology used combined Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to map the habitat with surveys and interviews with farmers, beekeepers, and community leaders. Participatory workshops and focus groups were also held to create an inventory of traditional knowledge. The results revealed that the most favorable habitats for Geotrigona bees are found in areas with medium hilly terrain, clay soils, and native vegetation. The main threats identified were deforestation, land-use change, and the use of agrochemicals. Through a participatory process, a restoration plan was designed and implemented, including reforestation with honey-producing species, the establishment of ecological corridors, and the installation of controlled beehives. The conclusions highlight that the territorial and community-based approach helped combine ancient knowledge with modern techniques to improve pollinator conservation. Furthermore, local groups committed to sustainable ecosystem management were organized, contributing to the socio-environmental resilience of the territory.

Palabras clave : Geotrigona; ecological restoration; agroecology; native pollinators; local knowledge..