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Marcelo Rodríguez, the Chilean Beekeeper Transforming Forests and Recognized by FAO Worldwide

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Marcelo Rodríguez, a forestry engineer, beekeeper, and union leader, has dedicated his life to restoring native ecosystems on his property in the commune of Los Álamos, in the Biobío Region. On World Bee Day, his inspiring journey was recognized internationally and in multiple languages by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

This recognition by FAO not only highlights his personal story, his deep connection with the forest, and his beekeeping work but also demonstrates the implementation of actionable measures through forestry projects under the National Strategy on Climate Change and Vegetation Resources (ENCCRV). This strategy is led by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and its +Forests project, an initiative to tackle the climate crisis through the sustainable management of over 25,000 hectares of native forest, developed in collaboration with FAO.

For Eve Crowley, FAO Representative in Chile, Marcelo’s story "is an experience worth highlighting, as it faithfully demonstrates how forests can be turned into sustainable livelihoods through work with bees and the production of diverse products. Through FAO, several countries are implementing results-based payment projects, such as the +Forests project in Chile, which serves as an example of good implementation and execution, while also contributing to climate change mitigation and supporting the livelihoods of often marginalized communities."

Meanwhile, Aida Baldini, Executive Director of CONAF, stated that "Marcelo Rodríguez teaches us that bees are key to restoring forests that have lost vitality. His work shows that true recovery goes beyond planting trees—it’s about rebuilding networks of life, where these pollinators are indispensable. Rooted in traditional knowledge, his work inspires committed action, proving that even the most affected landscapes can be revived when we work in harmony with nature."

Marcelo Rodríguez demonstrates that bees can be allies in ecological restoration and that degraded lands can be reborn when approached with passion, knowledge, and deep roots in native species.

The National Strategy on Climate Change and Vegetation Resources (ENCCRV), led by CONAF and its +Forests Project—supported technically by FAO and funded by the Green Climate Fund—is a public policy instrument focused on implementing action measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change and the risk of land degradation.