Apiculture is a cornerstone of food systems and a key branch of animal production, which provides unique income generation opportunities to family farmers in Ukraine and Türkiye. Both countries are top global honey producers and leaders in apicultural research. In addition to honey, other important products generated by beekeepers are pollen, propolis, venom and royal jelly. The pollination services, provided by apiculture, are crucial for plant production as they boost harvests of fruits, vegetables and other crops but traditionally are not paid for in the target countries. The most important challenges for apiculture in the region include maintaining sustainable production by ensuring health of the colonies by applying One Health approach, avoiding poisoning by pesticides and improving access to the markets, including exports. 

Ukraine and Türkiye are quite close geographically, economically and politically. However, coordination and information flow among the stakeholders in the beekeeping sector, including apicultural educators of two countries is very limited, partly due to the linguistic difference. For example, both countries aspire to approximate their policies with the European Union (EU) but, as relevant to the beekeeping sector, without bilateral coordination and learning from each other’s experiences. Additionally, there is very little information exchange on apicultural education, especially at the undergraduate level. Similarly, despite significant efforts to introduce innovative tools for exchange of spatial information among agronomists, beekeepers and other stakeholders in both countries, there is no platform for exchange of such technical experience. Some apicultural practices and business approaches are popular in one country but are virtually not known in the other one (e.g “apirecreation” in Ukraine and “karakovan” production in Türkiye. This project aims to address these deficiencies by providing mutually beneficial opportunities for learning and adopting new practices by both sides, assisted by international experts.   

In framework of the project, FAO will apply a multi-stakeholder approach for exchange of technical knowledge and sharing experience on development and application of policies. FAO-led Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock will be used as a framework for enhancing collaboration among stakeholders in both countries. Special emphasis will be made on active engagement of women and youth in project activities and all project activities will be framed within a Human-Rights Based Approach (HRBA), particularly in the identification and engagement of stakeholders (duty bearers and right holders). Project results will be achieved through enhanced partnerships with local, national and regional organizations, government agencies, NGOs and other structures. 

FAO will support the project implementation through provision of three international consultants, two national consultants, Technical Support Services by Senior Animal Health & Production Officer at the FAO REU and a Sustainable Livestock Specialist at SEC. National partners will be involved in organization of two multi-stakeholder workshops with assistance of two national and one international facilitators, support to project operation and network support.