This Mayan Beekeeper Formed a Swarm of Environmentalists to Combat the Growth of Genetically Modified Plants in Her Native Mexico When Leydy Pech saw what was happening to the agricultural balance and the beekeeping community, she decided to take a stand to protect her people, her land and her bees.

Beekeeping is critical to the Mayan culture. It's a time honored tradition and a huge part of their identity.

So, it was devastating to the community when Monsanto, an agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation, began threatening the safety of Campeche's honey supply with genetically modified soybean crops and record-breaking deforestation. Campeche contributes 40% of Mexico's honey production and provides a livelihood to 25,000 families within its indigenous communities.

When Leydy Pech, a Mayan beekeeper, saw what was happening to the agricultural balance and the beekeeping community, she decided to take a stand to protect her people, her land and her bees.