Najil Cab Foundation
Welcome to our Foundation! We’re a non-profit on an essential mission to protect Colombia’s biodiversity and pollinators, with a special spotlight on native stingless bees. Our work extends from education and research to beekeeping and hands-on reforestation efforts, to foster a more sustainable future for all. With a special focus on the unique coffee region of Colombia, we involve local communities every step of the way. Together, we’re creating meaningful change, one day at a time.
Your support can make a real difference in protecting these indispensable creatures!
Why Stingless Bees?
Stingless bees, also known as Meliponines, are mighty helpers native to South America. Although they technically have stingers, they’re not functional and cannot hurt humans. Some species are even smaller than the honey bees we’re used to seeing. These little workers play a huge part in pollinating crops and wild plants and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity. However, many people do not know about them, which leaves them unprotected. In addition to their ecological importance, their unique honey offers health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The world of Meliponines is full of untold knowledge and a key to ecological balance. It deserves our focus and care.
Download Our Brand New Illustrated Guide: Las Mensajeras de las Flores
Our team is delighted to share the guide we created, Las Mensajeras de las Flores, especially this May as we celebrate World Bee Day. This guide is the result of a project we’ve been working on for the past three years. We hope it serves as a tool to help people connect with the fascinating, complex, and beautiful relationship that stingless bees have with plants. Use the link below to download it. Available only in Spanish.
Our Impact
We firmly believe that raising awareness of our native pollinators and plants is fundamental to improving the health of the environment and promoting sustainable development in our local community. Our impact is visible in the classroom, where we organize engaging workshops to bring the world of stingless bees and biodiversity to life for schoolchildren. In the field, we mentor aspiring beekeepers, encouraging a deep understanding and respect for biodiversity.
Our three meliponaries are not just homes for stingless bees; they’re also great places for learning and serve as rescue and rehabilitation centers for damaged hives from the area. Through these experiences, we’ve even had a hand in shaping national regulations for sustainable beekeeping.
Committed to ongoing research, we plant native plants and trees, encourage sustainable farming practices, work to protect food systems, and educate the local population. But it all comes down to one big goal: to nurture an environmentally conscious community. Our work covers a lot of ground, from education to reforestation. By teaming up with us, together we can learn, appreciate, and protect our biodiversity for generations to come.
Educational Puppet Show
Together with a local theater group, we created the puppet show “El Paro Animal” (“The Animal Protest”), a fun and engaging way to highlight the importance of pollination, the diversity of pollinators, the challenges they face, and possible solutions. Designed especially for young children, the show uses humor and playful storytelling to capture their imagination and inspire learning. Launched in 2022, this show has brought smiles and awareness to both rural and urban schools across Colombia’s coffee region. We had 4 presentations in 2022 and doubled that number to 8 in 2023.
And we’re not stopping there! We plan to continue bringing ‘El Paro Animal’ to even more schools, spreading the message of conservation and the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Stay tuned for our upcoming shows and join us in making a difference!
Get Involved
Come join us on this remarkable journey of conservation, education, and growth. You can make a real difference to protect our ecosystem. How? By planting bee-friendly plants, lending a hand with your time and skills, or making a donation.
Latest News and Updates
Stay up-to-date with our latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved.
