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Melitourism Potential of Bali, Indonesia and Bicol, Philippines Nicolas, Amelia; Hidalgo, Hanilyn; Fresnido, Mia Bella; Mangku, I Gede Pasek; Udayana, I Gusti Bagus
Asia Pacific Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Vol. 10 No. 1 (2022): June 2022
Publisher : Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Network (SAFE Network)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36782/apjsafe.v10i1.137

Abstract

Melitourism, a special entomotourism featuring stingless bees as an agritourism attraction, remains less popular and underrated in Southeast Asian countries despite its economic benefits. This study assessed the melitourism potential of Bali, Indonesia, and Bicol, Philippines, through a qualitative approach using various indicators such as financial capital, market, social capital, environment, technology, policy, human capital, culture, and farm tourism as foundations for a melitourism social enterprise. Identification of these indicators was based on a literature review, and these became the basis of an interview guide designed for stingless bee operators. Findings showed that meliponiculture in Bali and Bicol offers a lot of promise as a social enterprise and tourism development. The stingless beekeeping industry dominated the aspects of environmental, technological, market, and social capital. Farmer groups provide a support system resulting in strong social capital. Compared to Bali, Bicol is quite advanced in agritourism integration in stingless bee farms. Melitourism is a good means of engaging the public to contribute towards a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem for stingless beekeeping. Incorporating the tourism aspect in meliponiculture is a good economic diversification strategy that would enhance farm productivity and encourage farmers to engage in ethical practices that help maintain a healthy stingless bee population both on farms and in the wild. However, to hasten farmer engagement and melitourism development, local and national governments must strengthen their policy infrastructure and support this industry. Keywords— melitourism, entomotourism, stingless beekeeping, apitourism, meliponiculture.
Morphology, Nest Characters, and Behavior: Taxonomic Aids in Facilitating Identification of Tetragonula biroi Friese (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) Nicolas, Amelia
Asia Pacific Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Vol. 11 No. 1 (2023): June 2023
Publisher : Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Network (SAFE Network)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36782/apjsafe.v11i1.204

Abstract

Tetragonula biroi Friese, the most popular stingless bee species in the Philippines, belongs to Tetragonula, a difficult genus to deal with due to the high character variability of workers. This paper provides a detailed description of the morphological characters, nest features, and behavioral characteristics of T. biroi to help facilitate its classification and identification. Proper identification of stingless bees is crucial in biodiversity conservation, genetic improvement, and pest management.
Isolation of Trichoderma sp. as a Biological Agent in the Pudak Lestari Agro Ornamental Plant Farmer Group Andriani, A. A. S. Putri Risa; Nicolas, Amelia; Yuliartini, Made Sri; Arjana, , I Gusti Made; Udayana, I Gusti Bagus; Wirajaya, A.A.Ngurah Mayun; Mahardika, Ida Bagus Komang
AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment) Vol. 7 No. 3 (2023)
Publisher : Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy (SAFE-Network)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29165/ajarcde.v7i3.337

Abstract

Agro Pudak Lestari, an ornamental plant farmers group, has been cultivating chrysanthemums for an extended period. The Agro Pudak Lestari farmer group had various challenges during the growing of chrysanthemums, including inadequate yields that failed to satisfy market standards due to white rust disease. The presence of antagonistic bacteria, specifically Trichoderma sp., Implementing efficient strategies for managing white rust disease. Consequently, farmer collectives will be instructed to utilize Trichoderma sp as a biological agent. The community service initiatives conducted at the Pudak Lestari Agro Ornamental Plant Farmer Group in Pancasari Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency have been executed efficiently and effectively. Partners have demonstrated a high level of awareness, up to 87%, about using Trichoderma sp mushrooms as biological agents. Additionally, farmer groups have successfully implemented techniques to get Trichoderma strains from natural sources and propagate them in the present rice cultivation medium. The Trichoderma sp fungus will be employed as a Trichocompost to mitigate the white rust disease in chrysanthemum plants, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Meliponitourism in the Philippines: Integrating stingless bee keeping and sustainable tourism for community development and biodiversity conservation Nicolas, Amelia
Asia Pacific Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): December 2025
Publisher : Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Network (SAFE Network)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36782/apjsafe.v13i2.538

Abstract

Meliponitourism, the integration of stingless beekeeping with sustainable tourism, is an emerging niche within ecotourism that combines biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and community livelihood enhancement. While countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia have developed established models, the concept remains relatively new in the Philippines. This study employs a case-based approach to examine Philippine meliponitourism initiatives, focusing on their ecological foundations, socio-economic contributions, and development challenges. Data were gathered from peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and indigenous knowledge systems, with triangulation ensuring reliability and breadth of perspectives. Findings show that stingless bees (Tetragonula spp.) support both agricultural productivity and unique tourism offerings through high-value products such as pot-honey, pot-pollen, and propolis. Philippine case examples—including research-led projects by CBSUA and UPLB, community ventures such as Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm, and indigenous practices of the Ibaloi, Aeta-Tabangnon, and Higaonon--demonstrate pathways by which meliponitourism can advance income diversification, women and youth empowerment, and pollinator-friendly conservation. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding product certification, policy integration, and technical capacity. Comparative insights from global models underscore the importance of institutional support, diversified product development, and participation in international networks. The study concludes that with enabling policies, inclusive community participation, and research-driven innovation, meliponitourism in the Philippines can evolve into a triple-win strategy that advances biodiversity conservation, strengthens rural livelihoods, and fosters sustainable tourism innovation.