Promoting Inclusion: The GBU Unites Beekeepers in Samtskhe-Javakheti

The GBU has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the inclusion of ethnic minority beekeepers from across Georgia, ensuring they have access to information, innovative tools and opportunities for growth.

The Georgian Beekeepers Union (GBU) recently hosted a meeting in Akhalkalaki, bringing together 25 ethnic Armenian beekeepers from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The event focused on introducing Georgian produced, climate-adapted beehives and promoting their co-financing through the Beekeepers Support Governmental Programme under the Rural Development Agency (RDA). Most Armenian beekeepers do not speak Georgian and can easily miss new products or information available in the mainstream Georgian market. During the meeting, Aleko Papava, Executive Director of the GBU, and Vakhtang Glonti, a GBU board member, outlined the organization's mission and services. They invited the beekeepers to join the union and elect representatives to the main GBU team. This proposal received immediate support, leading to the creation of a WhatsApp group dedicated to connecting beekeepers from Samtskhe-Javakheti. “Beekeepers in our region often lack access to information and opportunities to communicate with others outside the area. By forming this group with the GBU, we aim to become better informed and more integrated. We also plan to add more beekeepers to this network,” shared one of the participants.

Vakhtang Glonti, a producer of climate-adapted hives, showcased a sample and explained its advantages in mitigating challenges posed by climate change, particularly in Georgia’s high-mountain regions. He addressed questions about the hives' specifications and benefits. “This is the first time I’ve seen such a hive. Previously, I considered buying second-hand hives to save money, but now I understand the benefits and have changed my mind,” one beekeeper remarked.

The Georgian Beekeepers Union is facilitated by the ALCP2 programme, implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia. The ALCP2 is funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in collaboration with the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Sweden.