TİKA Provides Beekeeping Training in Albania

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) organized a training course consisting of theoretical, laboratory, and practical parts for 25 beekeepers as part of the “Program for the Training of Beekeeping Trainers in Albania.”

25 beekeepers participated in the training, which was held by Ordu Apiculture Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, Hacettepe University Bee and Bee Products Research and Application Center (HARUM) in Ankara, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Bursa Uludag University from October 25 to November 1, 2021.

A certificate presentation ceremony was held for participants who successfully completed the training. The ceremony held at the Paskuqan Town Hall in Tirana, the capital of Albania, was attended by Dr. Emine Gizem Başkan, TİKA’s Tirana Coordinator; representatives of the Albanian Beekeepers Association; trainers; and beekeepers.

In his speech at the ceremony, Prof. Levent Aydın stated that they discussed the problems in the field of beekeeping throughout the training. Noting that he tried to explain the necessity of the use of bee medications for biosecurity and how to use these medications, Aydın said, “We were greeted in a very friendly manner. Beekeepers face the same problems all over the world. We realized that especially problems related to beekeeping and diseases were similar all around the world. We looked for ways to solve these problems. We believe that those who complete this course will serve the Albanian beekeeping industry better.”

Eugen Skermo, Deputy President of the Albanian Beekeepers Association, stressed that the training was very successful. Skermo said, “It was a very intense training program, and we participated in courses for many hours every day. It was a precious opportunity to access information that we would never find elsewhere. It added great value to beekeepers and future trainers. We would like to thank TİKA for providing us with this opportunity.”

TİKA has successfully implemented many projects for beekeeping, fruit production, and greenhouse production in Albania since its establishment, and continues to contribute to rural development.