On May 14th, FPWC distributed professional beekeeping equipment, valued at approximately 500,000 AMD each, to 30 beginner beekeepers in Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province. The Foundation operates within a broader plan to mitigate human-brown bear conflicts, which have become more common due to climate change.

The selection process for beneficiaries involved  150 applicants who had finished the specialised beekeeping training course this year. The initiative demonstrated FPWC's commitment to gender inclusion by featuring a significant proportion of women in the participant group. The initiative operates as part of the Darwin Initiative program, "Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict Aggravated by Climate Change in Armenia," which is supported by the UK Government through Darwin Initiative funding. The project protects biodiversity while enhancing community resilience to economic changes through beekeeping practices, which foster economic growth in local communities.

Addressing an Urgent Challenge

Human-wildlife conflicts have substantially risen in Vayots Dzor over the last five to six years. Brown bears enter villages because their natural food supply decreases due to climate change and habitat destruction, and they end up destroying crops, livestock, and beehives. FPWC executes its mission to stop incidents through three strategies: education, sustainable development, and proactive measures.

 Vayots Dzor Governor Kolya Mikaelyan, FPWC founder and director Ruben Khachatryan, and representatives from 12 Yeghegis municipalities joined the distribution ceremony. According to Governor Mikaelyan, FPWC has dedicated over AMD 600 million to conservation and socio-economic development projects in the region. The donated items must reach their proper recipients while being used for their designated purposes. He declared that our government will monitor this process to support the program's successful deployment.

 A Holistic Development Model

The project achieves environmental goals while simultaneously delivering significant socioeconomic benefits. The  Vayots Dzor region presents vast opportunities for beekeeping success. The FPWC team gives thanks for the chance to offer essential beekeeping resources and educational support to new beekeepers, according to Ruben  Khachatryan. This initiative supports our sustainable efforts to combat human-bear conflict,t which has risen due to climate change.

The selection process used the following strict guidelines:

• A written quiz evaluated training knowledge acquisition by requiring at least 70% correct answers
• Proof of land ownership or lease rights
• The recipients agreed to utilise the equipment for five years as their commitment.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial interest and planning
•  Women and Artsakh displacement survivors received special consideration during the selection process.
  
  

Collective Tools and Continuing  Education

The project includes distributing community-based beekeeping equipment to partner communities, including honey extractors, wax separators, and honey creamers. The 30 selected participants will receive additional training through practical workshops, which will help them enhance their knowledge and skills in solving real-world problems.

About the Project

The program "Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict Aggravated by Climate Change in Armenia" aims to develop methods that mitigate the effects of climate change on wildlife patterns and reduce the risks of human-wildlife conflict. The initiative supports Yeghegis residents of Vayots Dzor in establishing resistance and developing new sources of income from sustainable practices, such as beekeeping.

About the Darwin Initiative

Through the Darwin Initiative, the UK Government funds international projects that defend biodiversity alongside supporting sustainable development initiatives worldwide.