Meliponiculture for Environmental Education and Income Generation: Experience at the Governador Arnaldo Estevão de Figueiredo Municipal Agricultural School

Abstract

This report brings the experience of environmental education activities in meliponiculture (management of stingless bees) with students from the Escola Municipal Agrícola Governador Arnaldo Estevão de Figueiredo, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. With the aim of promoting the appreciation of the environment, of agroecology and strengthening family farming, the activity offers practical and theoretical training to young people, seeking to train them in the sustainable management of bees and encourage them to remain in the countryside, combating the rural exodus. Through workshops, lectures and field activities, students learned about the ecological importance of bees for environmental balance and about bioproducts from meliponiculture as an alternative for generating income. The results indicate an increase in young people's interest in rural practices and environmental awareness, revealing the potential of environmental education for sustainable development.