Local knowledge on native bees and their role as pollinators in agricultural communities

Pollination is indispensable for the reproduction of native and agricultural plant species. Current data underline the fragility of pollinator populations, mainly bees, which are threatened by increasing habitat fragmentation and use of agrochemicals. In this scenario, traditional communities in rural areas represent an important source of information, acquired upon direct observation of the biology and the ecology of animal species in these regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local environmental knowledge of students in elementary schools in rural areas about bees and pollination at two moments, before and after the use of specific educational activities. Initially 110 students were interviewed and they mentioned a relatively low number of ethnospecies. After the educational activities, we noticed a marked increase in this number, besides the significant learning of important concepts. Rural school communities lack information about pollination and insect pollinators and the insects, pollinators or not, still constitute animals of negative reputation for people. We believe that a deeper knowledge of pollination and pollinators may improve sustainable activities in the region.