(Bee)coming Revolution: an environmental study with local beekeepers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

In this thesis I study how the relationships between beekeepers and bees have evolved over time in the region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and how the beekeepers have experienced the environmental changes in this region over time. Bees and beekeeping practices generate important incomes for rural communities in Rio Grande do Sul, but also, they support agricultural systems through pollinating crops and increasing plants nutritional value. Inspired by historical ecology and multispecies narratives I explore how the human-bee relationships have been developed throughout history. Based on interviews and using the narrative tool of storytelling we meet the different beekeeper’s thoughts and perceptions when it comes to their relations and motivations in keeping bees. Furthermore, this thesis also explores the challenges and opportunities described by the interviewed beekeepers, by comparing past historical changes and present-day debates around the bees. Landscape changes, loss of biodiversity and overuse of pesticides in agricultural crops have affected the wellbeing of the bees. The obstacles and organisations of beekeeper’s are also considered. Beekeeping is discussed as a way to create ecological awareness and is promoted as a way to increase not just bee’s wellbeing living in Rio Grande do Sul, but also create better dialogues among different actors