Mexico City Congress Approves Historic Beekeeping Law, Pioneering Pollinator Protection
Mexico City, May 20 – In a landmark decision on World Bee Day, the Congress of Mexico City approved the Law for the Promotion of Beekeeping and the Conservation of Pollinators. This historic legislation positions Mexico City at the forefront of Latin America in safeguarding bees and their vital ecosystems. The law, which had its origins in an initiative presented by Deputy Paulo García (Morena) on February 6, 2025, underscores the critical importance of pollinators for food security and environmental health.
Comprehensive Protections for Bees and Other Pollinators
Deputy García emphasized the often-invisible yet indispensable role of bees. “This is a topic that may be invisible to many, but without bees, our cuisine would not exist,” he stated. He added, “We must protect our ecosystem, especially living in a large city like ours.” The new law extends protection to native bee species, Apis mellifera, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, moths, and beetles, recognizing them as “priority protection species.”
A significant aspect of the legislation is the elevation of bee colonies to the legal status of livestock, meaning that their theft will now be punishable as cattle rustling (abigeato). This provision aims to deter the illicit trade and harm to bee populations, providing a stronger legal framework for their protection.
Key Provisions and Urban Conservation Strategies
The law introduces several innovative programs and measures designed to support beekeeping and pollinator conservation:
- Beekeeping Registry: Creation of a permanent Beekeeping Registry for Mexico City.
- Pollinator Gardens: Establishment of pollinator gardens as a key urban conservation strategy.
- Germplasm Banks: Development of germplasm banks with ongoing programs for the propagation of native melliferous flora.
- Mass Pollinator Death Protocol: Implementation of a protocol for responding to mass pollinator deaths, including toxicological analysis, sample preservation, and legal avenues for recourse.
Furthermore, the legislation explicitly prohibits highly dangerous pesticides such as neonicotinoids and fipronil. It also bans the release of genetically modified organisms that pose a risk to pollinators. Rescuing swarms, a practice already carried out by the city in conjunction with the Heroic Fire Department, is now enshrined in law as a matter of public utility, giving it greater legal weight and enforcement.
Impact on Agriculture and Urban Planning
Deputy Elvia Estrada (PVEM), who helped draft the initiative, highlighted the global significance of pollinators. “This proposal is very important, as 75% of the world’s crops depend on pollinators; without them, much of what we eat would not exist,” she declared.
The law also mandates that mayoral offices and the Secretariat of Works and Services (Sobse) incorporate melliferous flora into all their reforestation and urban landscaping projects. This ensures that pollinator protection is integrated into every median strip, park, and sidewalk across the city, transforming urban spaces into pollinator-friendly environments.
In addition to environmental protections, the law promotes the participation of women, youth, and indigenous communities in beekeeping activities. It also recognizes the traditional knowledge of these communities as a living part of the capital’s heritage, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable approach to apiculture.
This comprehensive legislation marks a significant step forward for Mexico City, demonstrating a strong commitment to biodiversity, food security, and environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for other urban centers globally.
