Design e meliponicultura: experiências acadêmicas em sustentabilidade na Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora

This paper reports on academic practices related to meliponiculture conducted in the Bachelor of Design program at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora in 2023, focusing on the integration of design and sustainability. The methodology includes a structured account in three stages: (i) the development of beehives in the Product Practice I and II courses for the UFJF Botanical Garden’s meliponary; (ii) the creation of the visual identity and signage for the "Honey Trail," an environmental education project; and (iii) the organization of a sustainability fair in the Graphic Practice I course, in which meliponiculture was among the topics addressed. The report is supplemented by interviews with involved faculty and students. Results highlight the positive impact on the visibility of meliponiculture and an enhanced perception of the benefits of design interaction within the academic community.