Call for Proposals
Reference: Beekeeping Development and Sustainable Livelihood Support Program in communities located along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Corridor in Azerbaijan.
The proposal must be submitted on or before 10:00 (local time) on Monday, 31 August 2026, via email address: [email protected].
Background
SOCAR Midstream Operations LLC (SOCAR Midstream), together with its partners in BTC, invites eligible organizations to submit project proposals for the implementation of a Beekeeping Development and Sustainable Livelihood Support Program in communities located along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Corridor in Azerbaijan.
The initiative is part of SOCAR Midstream’s Social Investment Program and aims to strengthen sustainable livelihoods, improve household income opportunities, support rural entrepreneurship, and contribute to conservation of biodiversity through the development of beekeeping activities.
The project will provide practical support, equipment, training, and technical assistance to rural households and small-scale farmers interested in beekeeping as an additional or primary source of income.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
- Improve economic opportunities for rural households living along the BTC pipeline corridor.
- Promote sustainable beekeeping practices and environmental stewardship.
- Strengthen local capacities in honey production and bee colony management.
- Support income diversification among vulnerable and low-income households.
- Increase awareness of the importance of pollinators for biodiversity and agriculture.
- Establish a foundation for long-term and self-sustaining beekeeping activities in target communities.
Target Group
The project will directly support 100 beneficiaries residing in communities located along the BTC pipeline route in Azerbaijan.
Priority should be given to:
- Martyrs’ families
- War veterans
- Low-income households;
- Small-scale farmers;
- Women-led households;
- Youth interested in agricultural entrepreneurship;
- Internally displaced persons (where applicable);
- Families with limited access to sustainable income-generating activities.
Scope of Services
Applications are invited from legally registered entities with proven experience in apiculture, rural development, agriculture, livelihood programs, or community development.
The selected organization shall be responsible for implementing the following activities:
- Assess local environmental and beekeeping conditions
- Beneficiary Selection together with SOCAR Midstream
- Training Program
- Distribution of Beekeeping Packages
- Technical Support and Mentoring
- Provide each beneficiary with:
- 5 modern beehives
- 5 healthy bee colonies (bee families)
- Protective clothing and equipment
- Bee smoker
- Hive tools and basic accessories
- Initial feed and essential consumables, where required
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Biological Pest Control Support
- Assess the feasibility of introducing environmentally friendly biological pest control solutions in target communities;
- Provide awareness sessions and practical training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM);
- Introduce beneficiaries to the use of beneficial biological control agents, including parasitoid insects such as Trichogramma spp. (“samurai bees”), where environmentally appropriate and legally available;
- Facilitate access to biological control agents and provide practical guidance on their application as an alternative to the excessive use of chemical pesticides;
- Support demonstration activities showcasing sustainable pest management practices that protect pollinators, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.
Pollinator-Friendly Habitat Enhancement
- Assess opportunities for improving forage resources for bees and other pollinators in target communities;
- Support the establishment of pollinator-friendly areas through planting of native nectar- and pollen-producing plant species;
- Provide beneficiaries with guidance on selection, cultivation, and maintenance of bee-friendly plants;
- Promote community awareness on the importance of forage availability for colony health and honey production;
- Encourage integration of melliferous plants into household gardens, community spaces, and agricultural landscapes where appropriate.
Geographic Coverage
The project shall be implemented in communities located along the BTC Pipeline Corridor in Azerbaijan.
The applicant should propose target districts and communities based on need assessment, accessibility, environmental suitability for beekeeping, and expected impact.
Project Duration
Start Date: November 2026
Completion Date: September 2027
Expected Results
The project is expected to achieve the following outcomes:
- 100 beneficiaries trained in modern beekeeping practices.
- 100 beneficiaries equipped with complete beekeeping starter packages.
- 500 operational beehives established.
- 500 productive bee colonies placed and monitored.
- Increased household income opportunities through honey and bee-product production.
- Strengthened local knowledge and technical capacities.
- Improved awareness of biodiversity conservation and pollination services.
- Increased sustainability and resilience of rural livelihoods.
- 100 beneficiaries trained on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable pest control practices;
- Beneficiaries equipped with practical knowledge on the use of biological control agents, including “samurai bees” (Trichogramma spp.) where applicable;
- At least one demonstration activity conducted on biological pest control methods;
- Improved adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides among participating households;
- Enhanced protection of pollinators and promotion of biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices in target communities.
- Increased availability of nectar and pollen resources for bee colonies in target communities;
- Establishment of pollinator-friendly vegetation plots and/or planting of native melliferous species;
- Improved colony health and resilience through enhanced forage availability;
- Additional contribution to local biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Interested organizations must submit:
Organizational Information
- Company/organization profile.
- Legal registration documents.
- Tax registration information.
- Description of relevant experience.
Technical Proposal
- Detailed implementation methodology.
- Beneficiary selection approach.
- Training methodology and curriculum.
- Risk mitigation measures.
- Sustainability approach.
- Stakeholder engagement plan.
- Environmental considerations.
Project Team
- CVs of key personnel.
- Description of technical experts and trainers.
- Roles and responsibilities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Logical Framework Matrix (Logframe).
- Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
- Baseline and end-line methodology.
- Quantitative and qualitative indicators
Work Plan
- Detailed monthly implementation schedule.
- Milestones and deliverables.
Financial Proposal
- Detailed budget in AZN.
- Unit costs and assumptions.
- Breakdown of beehive and bee colony procurement costs.
- Training and logistics costs.
- Administrative and operational costs.
Payment Terms
- Payments shall be made in Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
- Payments will be linked to approved deliverables and project milestones.
- Payments will be processed upon submission of invoices and supporting documentation.
- Final payment shall be subject to acceptance of all project outputs and reports.
- Payments will be made via bank transfer within 30 days following approval of deliverables.
Sustainability Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate how project benefits will continue after project completion, including:
- Continued use of beekeeping assets by beneficiaries;
- Access to veterinary and technical services;
- Cooperation with local beekeeping associations;
- Honey marketing channels;
- Future expansion opportunities for participating households.
Final Submission Date
The proposal must be submitted in English or Azerbaijani via email address [email protected] – deadline 10:00 a.m. Monday, 31 August.
Before submission, applicants should ensure that:
- The proposal is submitted before the deadline;
- All required documents are attached;
- The budget is complete and clearly justified;
- All technical and administrative requirements are fulfilled.
Prepared as part of the SOCAR Midstream Social Investment Program supporting sustainable livelihoods and community development along the BTC Pipeline Corridor.