Planting for Pollinators: How Torunes Farm Is Leading a Bee-Friendly Biodiversity Project

Jaime Luis Esquivel

Founder, Bee Oasis Costa Rica

Torunes Farm, Palmares,

Alajuela, Costa Rica

WhatsApp: +506-8355-1483

Email: BeeOasisCR@gmail.com

Dear Friend,

Re: Information and Request for Donations: Bee Oasis Costa Rica: Sustainable Planting and Research Project at Torunes Farm

I am writing on behalf of Bee Oasis Costa Rica (BOCR), a community-led conservation and research initiative based at Torunes Farm in Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica. We respectfully submit this information: “Promoting Melipona Bee Health Through Sustainable Planting and Scientific Research.” We are associated with SoulGives 501(c)(3) nonprofit

This two-year initiative will focus on the conservation of native Melipona bees through habitat development, scientific research, and public education. Our project will establish experimental planting zones specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of these tropical stingless bees, while also developing a fully equipped lab to analyze honey chemistry and its medicinal properties.

Why Torunes Farm? Torunes is a working organic coffee farm situated at 1,000 meters above sea level in a unique tropical wet and dry zone. The property is rich with biodiversity and surrounded by other organic farms and protected forests—making it an ideal location for controlled ecological studies. Our team includes agricultural engineers, beekeepers, pharmacists, and researchers committed to long-term sustainability and conservation. The farm also plays a critical economic role by employing seasonal labor from the surrounding community.

Project Objectives and Methodology:

• Create multiple 100m² geo-tagged planting zones featuring over 50 plant species tailored for Meli pona bee support.

• Track bloom cycles and bee activity using data loggers, field observations, and environmental monitoring.

• Construct a modest laboratory to test honey samples for moisture content, pH, antioxidant levels, and pollen spectra.

• Develop a year-round Planting Guidebook for Melipona Bees, based on observed bloom validation.

• Deliver educational outreach, including public tours, school visits, workshops, and guided lab access.

• Honor the Contributor by naming our planting zones in tribute to their legacy of pollinator research.

  
  

Targeted Bee Species:

• Tetragonisca angustula (Mariola)

• Melipona costaricensis (Barcino)

• Melipona beecheii (historically maintained by the Maya)

• Scaptotrigona pectoralis (Soncuano or Gallito)

These stingless bees are vital to regional biodiversity and produce small quantities of high-potency honey with proven antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. However, climate change and habitat loss are placing their populations at risk, making this conservation effort urgent and necessary.

Our Team Includes:

• Valerie Scheirman, PharmD and Gary Scheirman, PhD – Lab oversight and honey compound analysis

• Christine Ryan, MS – Herbal research consultant

• John Quam – Field data collection and digital media

• Jaime Esquivel – Project lead on bees and planting zone monitoring

• Allen, Ivan, and Jorge Esquivel – Experts in agronomy, farm management, and planting coordination

• Primary Beekeepers – To be appointed; will manage hive health and data collection

We believe that by integrating sustainable agriculture, scientific research, and education, this project will serve as a model for pollinator conservation in the tropics. With your support, Bee Oasis Costa Rica can help ensure a healthy, biodiverse future—for the bees and for us all.

Thank you for considering our application. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. If you are interested in Funding and Donation information please let us know.

Warm regards,

Jaime Luis Esquivel

Founder, Bee Oasis Costa Rica

Torunes Farm, Palmares,

Alajuela, Costa Rica

WhatsApp: +506-8355-1483

Email: BeeOasisCR@gmail.com