The nine beneficiaries of the “Sweet Village” project launched in Aghnjadzor within the framework of UNDP’s “Sustainable Communities” programme have already been selected. The first steps toward creating a model beekeeping community have been taken: 3 of the 9 selected beneficiaries have chosen to operate small-scale farms, while the other 6 opted for large or expanding beekeeping operations.
All beneficiaries of the “Sweet Village” project have jointly received from the “Sustainable Communities” programme a total of 105 PPU beehives, 9 sets of equipment (including a water container and board, and a logbook), and construction materials for the improvement of their hives (including 355L of paint, 25kg of liquid putty, and 30L of glue). The beneficiaries have installed bee colonies and are currently cleaning and improving their existing hives, apiary areas, inventory, and storage facilities.
Programme experts regularly monitor activities in Aghnjadzor and oversee the ongoing work. Professional training courses and consultations are organized for the beneficiaries. After the honey harvest, laboratory testing will be conducted to certify the quality of the products.
“The project is progressing with great enthusiasm, and results are already visible. We are in constant contact with all 9 beneficiaries, visiting their farms and observing the work. The residents of Aghnjadzor are excited that their village was chosen for this initiative. The slogan speaks for itself: ‘Sweet Village – With Combined Efforts,’” noted Lusine Balayan, an expert of the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme.
As the “Sweet Village” project also aims to enhance the tourism potential of the settlement, the “Sustainable Communities” programme has developed a separate logo to make the model beekeeping farms more recognizable. Signboards and directional panels will be installed in the production areas.
The “Sweet Village” project is a co-financing model designed to foster the socio-economic resilience of the community by creating new jobs, boosting honey production and sales, and enhancing the village’s tourism potential.
