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