Responding to a request from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme implemented the “HONEY-MONEY” and “Chir-Chir” projects in November 2024 for residents of the border settlements of Shikahogh, Srashen, and Chakaten in the Kapan community of the Syunik region.

Nineteen beneficiaries who successfully completed the two-day “Professional Development of Beekeepers” training under the “HONEY-MONEY” programme received two hives made of PPU material and informational guides on hive usage. Following this, the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme conducted a one-day training course on “Basics of Drying”, attended by 20 residents of Shikahogh.

“Considering that the forests adjacent to the settlements of the Kapan community are rich in wild berries and fruits, these can serve as raw materials for producing dried fruit using solar drying. This will also contribute to the creation of an income source,” noted UNDP expert Lusine Balayan.

As part of the “Basics of Drying” course, 14 beneficiaries were provided with five dried fruit drying racks each.