Results of the beekeeping sponsorship program conducted with the Association for Standardization Training in Mexico (AFNOR)
Period: January 18, 2023 to January 18, 2024
Contractual plan: Silver Business
Sponsoring company : Miel Virgen Santa María de la Montaña SPR de RL de CV
SUMMARY
From January 18, 2023 to January 18, 2024, AFNOR MEXICO sponsored Miel Virgen Santa María de la Montaña SPR de RL de CV. It has fully complied with the commitments set out in the sponsorship contract. In addition, it has taken part in strengthening local biodiversity and promoting sustainable beekeeping. She also took part in the beekeeping management workshop organized by Miel Santa María. This reinforced her knowledge of permaculture and environmental responsibility.
Thanks to the support and financial contribution of AFNOR, the apiary located in the municipality of Atemajac de Brizuela, in the state of Jalisco, has not only been preserved, it has also been enlarged. The apiary lies precisely between the villages of Barranca de Santa Clara and Yolosta, at an average altitude of 2,070 metres above sea level.
During this cycle, the apiary increased its operational capacity from 36 to 47 hives. This included 11 new hives from urban colony rescues and internal divisions.
CLIMATIC AND ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
During this cycle, the climate developed as predicted: dry winters with temperatures between 5 and 15°C and precipitation concentrated between June and September. However, in April 2023, a major forest fire broke out in Las Guácimas (on the border with Atemajac). This mobilized the civil protection brigades and had a temporary impact on the surrounding ecosystems. Thanks to constant surveillance and preventive measures, the apiary did not suffer any direct material losses. In addition, post-fire resilience protocols were reinforced.
"The accelerated recovery of the ecosystem was made possible by the pollination favored by the active beehives. This activity facilitated plant regrowth, soil regeneration and functional biodiversity in the environment. As part of the indirect impact of sponsorship, we collaborated with local reforestation initiatives. In this way, we planted native species compatible with the beekeeping environment."
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
- Positive pressure was maintained on municipal authorities to step up fire and litter prevention measures on rural roads.
- The sponsored bees have helped to restore the wild flora, particularly in areas where
species such as arbutus, hawthorn, camomile, pine and oak.
- AFNOR received 90 kg of pure honey with personalized labeling, in accordance with the terms set out in the contract.
- The apiary continues to contribute to ecological balance and environmental education in the region.
CONCLUSION
The third year of AFNOR sponsorship has consolidated the benefits initiated in 2021 and significantly increased the positive environmental impact. An increase in the number of hives and improved climatic conditions led to surplus honey production, increased plant regeneration and heightened environmental awareness. This was achieved through concrete, verifiable actions. Thanks to this support, the program remains a replicable model of sustainability and social responsibility.
COMMITMENT TO RENEWAL.
The results achieved during this sponsorship cycle confirm that investing in bee care generates not only honey, but also life. Thanks to the support of committed institutions such as AFNOR, we have been able to increase the number of hives, extend pollen cover and save endangered colonies. This has also enabled us to actively contribute to the restoration of key ecosystems. Each sponsored hive is a hub of environmental regeneration. This contributes to carbon capture, water filtration and food sovereignty in the region.