Support environmental conservation, sustainable beekeeping, and increased food security in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador!

We are aiming to raise $4,500 by world food day on October 16th, which will be matched by our local partner, Kamana Pacha, to launch the RAÍZ program. This initiative will equip farmers in the Shandia community with sustainable agriculture and beekeeping training, helping to improve food security, reduce dependence on harmful illegal mining in the community, and conserve biodiversity. Together, we can double our impact and take the first step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for the Amazon and its people!

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Help Fill The Hive!

What is the RAÍZ Program?

The RAÍZ program (Regeneración Agrícola e Innovación en Zonas Rurales - or Agricultural Regeneration and Innovation in Rural Areas) seeks to provide local farmers with training in sustainable agriculture and beekeeping practices, helping them to increase crop yields, diversify their food sources, and adopt eco-friendly methods that protect the environment. By improving agricultural outputs and restoring biodiversity, the program will play a critical role in combating malnutrition, strengthening food security and enhancing access to diverse, healthy foods in Shandia. In addition to environmental and health benefits, the program will also provide families with increased economic stability through the sale of surplus crop yields, honey, and other bee products.

Why Bees?

The RAIZ program will introduce sustainable beekeeping practices, with a focus on Melipona stingless bees. These bees are essential natural pollinators, playing a key role in maintaining local biodiversity, but they are currently threatened by climate change, altered flowering seasons, habitat loss, and unsustainable resource extraction. Integrating sustainable beekeeping practices into the RAÍZ program will help protect the bees, preserve local biodiversity, and offer local families an alternative income source. To introduce beekeeping to Shandia, MPI will be partnering with the Kamana Pacha Foundation, an Ecuadorian branch of the Canadian organization WE Charity, who has already successfully implemented beekeeping programs in 44 Ecuadorian communities.

Celebrate World Food Day

World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about global hunger, food security, and promoting actions toward sustainable food systems. It was established in 1979 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with the goal of ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone and addressing the root causes of hunger and malnutrition. The RAÍZ program directly aligns with the goals of World Food Day by:

Introducing sustainable farming techniques to increase crop yields and support food security.
Introducing beekeeping to increase pollination, support biodiversity, maintain healthy ecosystems, and enhance agricultural productivity.
Teaching farmers strategies to help them adapt to climate change and protect local food systems.
Strengthening community capacity by offering agricultural training and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Learn more about World Food Day here.

The Impact of Your Gift

Swipe through these stories to learn more about the impact your gift will have on lives in Shandia! Included are stories from community members who hope to benefit from the RAÍZ program once it launches, success stories from Kamana Pacha’s past bee projects, and quotes from local experts and community leaders who will be involved in the program! Thank you for supporting us and BEE-lieving in a sustainable future for the Amazon!

Sponsor a Farmer!

With a gift of $1,000, you can fully sponsor a farmer to participate in the year-long RAÍZ program. This sponsorship provides vital training in sustainable farming and beekeeping, essential equipment, hands-on farm visits, and more. Your support helps empower local farmers to cultivate a brighter future for their families and the environment. Be a part of the buzz for a sustainable tomorrow!

Increase Your Impact!

Did you know that more than 26 million Americans work for companies that provide employee gift matching?! Find out if your company is one of them and you can instantly double your contribution! Here are some details often required to complete a matching gift request form: