Listen to the inspiring journey of Shirlley Mamani, a pioneer in sustainable agriculture from the heart of the Andes and a proud member of our Pollinators Fellowship. In her recent radio interview, Shirlley shares how her roots in Yunguyo, Peru, and her passion for Pachamama (Mother Earth) have shaped her mission to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Learn how she’s turning traditional crops like cañihua into global superfoods and championing the role of bees in our ecosystems.

Author: Laura Soto
Leia em Português

At Meli, we are thrilled to highlight the recent achievements of Shirlley Mamani, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and a dedicated member of our Pollinators Fellowship. Shirlley was recently featured in a compelling interview on Radio UGEL Yunguyo, where she shared her experiences, her deep connection to the Andean culture, and her ongoing efforts to promote the preservation of biodiversity through her work with Meli.

Shirlley Mamani was born in Puno, Peru, and grew up in Yunguyo, a town deeply rooted in Aymara traditions. This upbringing instilled in her a profound respect for Pachamama, or Mother Earth, which has been a guiding force in her life. After completing her early education in Yunguyo, where she developed a strong bond with her community and local culture, Shirlley moved to Lima to pursue higher education. She graduated with a degree in Agroindustrial Engineering and Agribusiness from San Ignacio de Loyola University, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of her journey as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

A Passion for Biodiversity and Agroindustrial Systems

In the interview with Radio UGEL Yunguyo, Shirlley introduced herself not just as a professional in the field of agroindustrial engineering, but as a proud daughter of Yunguyo. She emphasized how her upbringing in this agricultural town shaped her worldview and fueled her passion for preserving the rich biodiversity of her homeland. Shirlley spoke about the importance of agroindustrial systems in modern society, highlighting how these systems are integral to both local and global food security.

One of the key points she discussed was the significance of native crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and cañihua. These crops are not only central to the Andean diet but are also vital to the region’s agricultural heritage. Shirlley shared her research on cañihua, a grain less known internationally than quinoa, yet boasting even higher nutritional value. Through her work, she aims to bring cañihua into the spotlight, advocating for its increased consumption and exportation. Shirlley’s vision is to see this superfood gain recognition on the global stage, contributing to the fight against malnutrition, especially in regions like Puno where anemia rates are alarmingly high.

The Role of Bees in Sustainable Agriculture

Another critical aspect of Shirlley’s work, as highlighted in the interview, is her focus on pollination and the crucial role that bees play in sustaining agricultural ecosystems. She explained that while bees might not be as commonly seen in Yunguyo as in other parts of Peru, they are indispensable for the pollination of many crops, including tarwi (lupin), a plant that is gaining recognition for its high protein content. Shirlley educated the audience on the different types of bees found in Yunguyo, particularly the native, stingless bees that are essential for the pollination of local flora.

Shirlley’s dedication to meliponiculture, the practice of cultivating native stingless bees, is particularly noteworthy. This sustainable agricultural practice not only helps preserve biodiversity but also offers economic benefits to local communities. Shirlley urged the people of Yunguyo to consider engaging in meliponiculture as a way to protect native bee populations while also producing valuable products like honey, which has numerous health benefits due to its antimicrobial and healing properties.

Bridging Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science

Shirlley’s work is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge can be effectively combined with modern scientific practices to create sustainable solutions. She spoke about the need to protect and value the natural resources of the Andean region, particularly the native crops and bees that have sustained local communities for generations. Her research and advocacy aim to ensure that these resources are not only preserved but also enhanced through scientific innovation.

For instance, Shirlley’s research into the nutritional benefits of cañihua is part of a broader effort to valorize Andean crops that are often overshadowed by more widely known exports like quinoa. By promoting these lesser-known crops, Shirlley hopes to diversify the agricultural output of the region and introduce the world to the rich variety of Andean superfoods.

A Call to Action for the Community

In her message to the listeners of Radio UGEL Yunguyo, Shirlley emphasized the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. She called on the people of Yunguyo to take pride in their agricultural heritage and to actively participate in preserving the region’s biodiversity. Whether through supporting the cultivation of native crops or engaging in meliponiculture, Shirlley encouraged her fellow community members to become stewards of the environment.

Shirlley’s journey from Yunguyo to the global stage is a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have when they are driven by passion, knowledge, and a deep connection to their roots. At Meli, we are proud to support Shirlley in her efforts and look forward to seeing the positive changes she will continue to bring to the world.