Percepção ambiental de apicultores: Desafios do atual cenário apícola no interior de São Paulo

Abstract

ResumoA mortalidade e o desaparecimento de abelhas têm sido cada vez mais frequentes no mundo, afetando consequentemente a atividade apícola que exerce significativa importância nos âmbitos ambiental, social e econômico no Brasil. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi compreender os principais desafios que a apicultura enfrenta atualmente na perspectiva dos apicultores da região de Matão, interior de São Paulo. Os apicultores foram selecionados por meio da técnica "bola de neve" e participaram da uma entrevista semiestruturada que abordou as esferas social, econômica e ambiental da atividade apícola. A percepção dos apicultores foi analisada através da Análise Textual Discursiva e indicou o atual sistema de produção agrícola, baseado em extensas áreas de monoculturas e uso intensivo de agrotóxicos, como o principal problema enfrentado para manutenção da atividade. Os apicultores percebiam o ambiente considerando o ser humano como parte integrante da natureza, sendo este afetado por suas próprias ações. Tinham a percepção do importante papel das abelhas no equilíbrio do ecossistema e na produção de alimentos. Os relatos apresentados demostram preocupação com a saúde ambiental, enfatizando a falta de comprometimento do governo com a preservação dos recursos naturais e em prol de um sistema de produção agrícola e industrial insustentável.Palavras-chave: apicultura, meio ambiente, produção agrícola, produção de mel. Environmental perception of beekeepers: Challenges of the current beekeeping scene in the interior of São PauloAbstract Mortality and the disappearance of bees have been increasingly frequent in the world, consequently affecting the beekeeping activity that has significant importance in the environmental, social and economic spheres in Brazil. The objective of this research was to understand the main challenges that beekeeping currently faces from the perspective of beekeepers in the region of Matão, in the interior of São Paulo. The beekeepers were selected through the "snowball" technique and participated in a semi-structured interview that addressed the social, economic and environmental spheres of beekeeping. The perception of beekeepers was analyzed through Discursive Textual Analysis and indicated the current system of agricultural production, based on extensive areas of monocultures and intensive use of pesticides, as the main problem faced to maintain the beekeeping activity. The beekeepers perceived the environment considering the human being as an integral part of nature, being affected by their own actions. They were aware of the important role of bees in the balance of the ecosystem and in the production of food. The reports presented demonstrate the real concern with environmental health, emphasizing the government's lack of commitment to the preservation of natural resources in favor of a self-destructive agricultural and industrial production system.

The dilemma of agricultural pollination in Brazil: Beekeeping growth and insecticide use

“…As such, considering that there have also been losses of hives because of the effect of insecticides [ 24 ], this creates a conflict of interest between the apiculture industry and agricultural farmers. In other words, these practices could make it difficult for apiaries to remain close to agricultural crops over the long term.…”

“…This situation is alarming and needs to be addressed, as local research indicates that keepers of honey bees and stingless bees are reluctant to enter into partnerships with agricultural farmers because of excessive use of agrochemicals in the fields [ 11 – 13 , 24 ]. Considering the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on bees [ 27 , 32 , 58 , 59 ] and that a large proportion of the honey eaten worldwide, including in Brazil [ 41 ], contains insecticide residues, as does pollen [ 26 , 28 ], it would be unwise for Brazilian beekeepers to adopt partnerships with farmers before any deal.…”

“…However, excessive use of insecticides on Brazilian agricultural crops [ 21 – 23 ] could be detrimental for bees. For example, in a recent case study, 90% of interviewed beekeepers reported beehive loss because of agrochemicals being used on crops close to their apiaries [ 24 ].…”

“…Although bee mortality caused by the lethal effects of agrochemicals garners more visibility by the general public or media due to its dramatic impact [ 24 ], the less-detectable sublethal effects of agrochemicals are also seriously detrimental to the long-term survival and viability of hives [ 25 , 26 ]. For example, field studies have detected a plethora of insecticides (e.g., neonicotinoids, fipronil) at residual levels in brood, pollen, honey, and wax, which may compromise the growth, strength, and survival of the bee hives [ 27 , 28 ].…”

Bee colony losses in Brazil: a 5-year online survey

“…In Brazil, honeybee colony losses (Apis mellifera ) are usually attributed to intensive use of pesticides in agricultural areas (Silva et al 2015(Silva et al , 2016Cerqueira and Figueiredo 2017), followed by minor reports of Varroa destructor infestation, mismanagement, and starvation (Malaspina et al 2008;Message 2010;Teixeira et al 2011), although reports of queen failures are unusual.…”