Stingless Bees Granted Legal Rights

Stingless bees have made history by becoming the first insects in the world to be granted legal rights, a groundbreaking step that conservationists hope will inspire similar protections globally. Local ordinances in the Peruvian Amazon now recognize these native pollinators as rights-bearing creatures with the right to exist, thrive, maintain healthy populations and habitats, and be legally represented if threatened. These gentle, stingless bees have been cultivated by Indigenous communities for centuries and are responsible for pollinating more than 80 percent of Amazonian plant species, making them a vital piece of the ecosystem. For years, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and environmentalists have advocated for the protection of the bees, which face threats from deforestation, climate change, invasive species, and pesticides. The new law not only strengthens protection for these critical pollinators but also represents a hopeful new model for how humans value and conserve the natural world. 

Image via The Guardian 

Read other stories from the 1/12/26 newsletter:

NYC Doorman Gives Back 

Rescue Dog Leads Monks

Record for Longest Teaching Career