Beekeeping as an element of cultural resilience in the Río Coco UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyze the perception and knowledge of professionals and  beekeepers living in the UNESCO Río Coco Global  Geopark. The methodology used was mixed,  descriptive, cross-sectional, participatory and  inclusive. A semi-structured interview and a virtual survey were applied. As a result, it was found that  68% of beekeepers surveyed are women,  highlighting the success of programs that  promote their active participation in beekeeping  as agents of change. Seventy-five percent of the  beekeepers consider that beekeeping not only  generates economic income, but also promotes  tourism and cultural identity, especially in  indigenous Chorotega communities. Although  88% of beekeepers feel that they are part of the  Geopark, there are gaps in the integration of  beekeeping into tourism circuits, which limits its  development and sustainability potential. In  conclusion, beekeeping and its products and  services should be part of tourist circuits and  packages promoted from the territorial platform.  In addition, a more substantial economic  investment is required to promote the  development of the beekeeping sector.  Beekeeping must be institutionalized and  recognized as an integral part of the routes and  geosites that make up the geopark, and  beekeeping products and byproducts must be  valued, labeled with the GEO brand, and  recognized as heritage gastronomic products  through the promotion of the agro-productive  and cultural chain of honey and its derivatives.