The “Children of Armenia” Foundation (COAF) and Ameriabank present the joint program “Gathering the benefits of nature”, which will be implemented within the framework of the “Beekeeping: a driving force of economic development” project of the COAF.
The project’s mission is to promote beekeeping in the Lori region of Armenia, develop the practical skills of beekeepers and improve the quality of the beekeeping value chain. Including educational, economic and social components, it is intended for 50 beneficiaries. Along with the innovative courses, the beneficiaries will also be provided with beehives and beehives in order to start their own business in the future. One of the key goals of the program is to include among the beneficiaries the students of the agro-technology program of KOAF SMART Center, who were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, who have just started to explore the field.
“Ameriabank emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship in the economic empowerment of our country, especially the regions, and attaches great importance to the development of resource-efficient and ecologically sustainable sectors. By supporting beekeeping in rural communities, our goal is to improve the quality of life of people in parallel with the development of entrepreneurship in the regions, giving them the opportunity to establish sustainable production and perspective. an opportunity to have a job,” says Ameriabank’s Marketing and Communication Director Rebecca, emphasizing the importance of supporting such projects. Hakobyan.
“Ameriabank is one of the reliable partners of KOAF and supports our various programs. Within the framework of this project promoting the growth of beekeeping, such cooperation is important, because as a result, the potential of the region will increase. It is no secret that beekeeping is a vital sector in general. Therefore, by developing it, we can promote not only the preservation of local biodiversity, but also the provision of employment in rural areas and the formation of stable incomes.
Let’s remind that beekeeping is not a new field for KOAF, and within the framework of the “Beekeeping: Driving Force of Economic Development” project launched by the foundation in 2022, a “Beekeeping Center” was established next to the Lori SMART Center. It is equipped with all equipment and accessories necessary for beekeeping, which enables beekeepers to obtain and present high-quality products on the market.
How does the “Gathering the Benefits of Nature” program support displaced students in Armenia?
Title: Buzzing with Opportunity: An Interview on Beekeeping in Armenia
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to our interview segment! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with an expert on sustainable development and beekeeping, Dr. Anais Melikyan, who is closely associated with the “Children of Armenia” Foundation and the recent “Gathering the Benefits of Nature” program in partnership with Ameriabank. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Melikyan!
Dr. Anais Melikyan: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this exciting initiative.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! This new program is quite innovative. Can you tell us more about the “Gathering the Benefits of Nature” initiative and its goals?
Dr. Melikyan: Absolutely! This program aims to promote beekeeping in the Lori region of Armenia, addressing both economic development and social entrepreneurship. With this initiative, we hope to enhance the practical skills of local beekeepers, improve the quality of the beekeeping value chain, and ultimately empower individuals and communities by providing them the tools they need for economic independence.
Editor: That’s fascinating! How many beneficiaries are you targeting, and what does the training involve?
Dr. Melikyan: We are targeting 50 beneficiaries in this first phase. They will undergo innovative courses that include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Participants will learn about bee biology, hive management, honey production, and sustainable practices. Moreover, each beneficiary will receive beehives to start their own businesses, which is a crucial aspect of our program.
Editor: That sounds comprehensive! I understand that a special focus is placed on students displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Melikyan: Certainly. One of the key goals of our program is inclusiveness. We want to support students from the agro-technology program at the KOAF SMART Center who have been forcibly displaced. These young individuals bring a wealth of potential but need opportunities to develop their skills in a new environment. Beekeeping offers a sustainable livelihood and the chance to contribute to their communities while also connecting them with their roots.
Editor: It’s inspiring to see such support for displaced individuals. In your opinion, how does improving beekeeping in the region contribute to economic development?
Dr. Melikyan: Beekeeping has a unique potential for economic growth. It fosters not just the production of honey and beeswax, but also supports biodiversity and agricultural productivity through pollination. By enhancing beekeeping practices, we can create new business opportunities, increase local food security, and promote sustainably sourced products in both local and possibly international markets. This holistic approach is essential for lifting communities out of economic hardship.
Editor: It’s clear that this initiative has a positive ripple effect. How does Ameriabank fit into this picture?
Dr. Melikyan: Ameriabank emphasizes nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation. Their partnership with us provides both financial support and expertise in creating sustainable business models for the beneficiaries. With their backing, we can ensure that our participants not only gain skills but also access the necessary resources to thrive as beekeeping entrepreneurs.
Editor: Before we conclude, what do you envision as the long-term impact of this program on the communities involved?
Dr. Melikyan: I envision a thriving ecosystem in the Lori region where beekeeping is not only a viable livelihood but also a source of community pride. We aim to create a network of entrepreneurs who can exchange knowledge, collaborate, and inspire future generations. Ultimately, we want to see beekeeping play a meaningful role in strengthening local economies and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Melikyan, for sharing your insights! It’s encouraging to see such proactive steps being taken for economic development and community support in Armenia.
Dr. Melikyan: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important project. Together, we can create a buzz for positive change!
Editor: And that’s a wrap! Stay tuned for more stories of innovation and resilience, right here at Time.news.