Alstom Foundation announces a new grant for the "Mayan Guardians of the Melipona Bee" project for economic empowerment and sustainability in the Yucatan Peninsula

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13 February, 2025 – The Alstom Foundation, in partnership with Fundación Por una Nueva Solución (Educampo), proudly announces its support for project "Mayan Guardians of the Melipona Bee: Empowerment and Sustainable Economic Reactivation," an initiative that seeks to transform the lives of 200 rural and indigenous women in Campeche and Yucatán by promoting bee farming as a sustainable productive activity.

The main objective of this project is to strengthen the leadership and active participation of women in their communities through the production, processing and marketing of products derived from melipona honey, a species endemic to the region that has great environmental and cultural value.

"We are proud to be part of an initiative that combines environmental conservation, gender equity promotion and community development. This project is a tangible example of how we can generate a lasting positive impact in local communities."

Maite Ramos

General Manager of Alstom Mexico

A comprehensive empowerment model

Since its inception in 2011, "Guardianas Mayas" has made significant progress in training women as agents of change. Through training in best practices, technical assistance and marketing support, participants have created brands and business networks such as Kuxtalil and Kante Botik, which connect their products with regional and national markets.

In this new phase (2024-2025), the project will focus on:

Improving the quality and volume of melipona honey produced.
Enhancing the processing of value-added products, such as creams, propolis tinctures, and balms.
Consolidating a network of meliponiculturists to facilitate access to markets and financing.
Increasing participants' income through innovative marketing strategies.
Engaging young people from the region to ensure generational succession in this activity.

1/3 Since its inception in 2011, "Guardianas Mayas" has made significant progress in training women as agents of change

Environmental and social impact

Meliponiculture not only contributes to the economic empowerment of women, but also to the conservation of biodiversity on the peninsula. Each melipon farm has a positive impact on approximately 314 hectares of native flora, strengthening the ecological balance and preserving ancestral traditions. This project not only generates sustainable income for the communities, but also guarantees an environmental legacy for future generations, positioning the Yucatan Peninsula as an example of sustainable development and resilience in Mexico.

Alstom Foundation: Commitment to sustainable development

Alstom Foundation reaffirms its commitment to sustainable social and economic development through this project. “We are proud to be part of an initiative that combines environmental conservation, gender equity promotion and community development. This project is a tangible example of how we can generate a lasting positive impact in local communities,” said Maite RAMOS, General Manager of Alstom Mexico.

About the Alstom Foundation

Created in 2007, Alstom Foundation supports and finances projects proposed by Alstom employees who join forces with local partner NGOs and non-profit organizations to carry out initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in communities located close to the Group's facilities and project sites around the world. The Foundation's projects focus on four areas: mobility, environmental protection, energy and water, and socio-economic development.

About the Guardianas Mayas

Guardianas Mayas project is part of the Pro Women’s Program. The program seeks to empower rural and indigenous women through self-employment, promoting equal opportunities and female leadership in cooperative enterprises.

Learn more about the project here.

Alstom in Mexico