These Bees Gain Their First Legal “Right to Exist”

Peru has granted legal rights to native stingless bees, recognising their right to exist and thrive and marking the first time insects have received such protection anywhere.

“This is a turning point in our relationship with nature,” said Constanza Prieto, Latin America legal director at the Earth Law Center, describing the move as a powerful acknowledgement of bees as essential members of living ecosystems.

The new local laws protect at least 175 species of stingless bees that pollinate rainforest plants and food crops across the Amazon, support forest regeneration and hold deep cultural value for Indigenous communities such as the Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria. By allowing people to defend bees’ interests in court, the ordinances strengthen biodiversity protection at a time when pollinators face growing threats, and could pave the way for broader national and international recognition of the rights of nature.