From August 19 to 29, a series of targeted eco-tourism development trainings was held across communities in Lori and Vayots Dzor, marking a significant step toward advancing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship at the local level.
The initiative was jointly implemented by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and the World Wide Fund for Nature – Armenia (WWF-Armenia), within the framework of the LILA project, with the aim of unlocking and enhancing the ecotourism potential of Community-Managed Conservation Areas (CMCAs) and fostering active community engagement in the protection of natural resources through responsible tourism development.
Led by expert trainers from the Armenian Institute of Tourism, the training program combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on exercises, equipping participants with practical tools to develop and manage eco- and adventure tourism services in line with sustainability principles.
As a result of the training, CMCA stewards:
🔹 Analyzed the tourism potential of their local areas
🔹 Explored modern trends in adventure tourism
🔹 Studied tools and mechanisms for managing visitor flows in conservation areas
🔹 And most importantly, engaged in in-depth discussions on:
✔️ How to develop adventure tourism without harming the environment
✔️ The core Dos and Don’ts of nature-friendly tourism for visitors, guides, and organizers
The sessions also included hands-on exercises focused on:
➡ Key elements of organizing adventure tourism
➡ Ensuring safety standards and protocols
➡ Building decision-making and emergency response skills in real-life scenarios
This initiative:
- Injects new energy into local development
- Supports biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
- Opens pathways for inclusive, green economic growth in rural communities
Responsible tourism is more than an industry – it’s a mindset. And it begins with informed, empowered, and engaged communities.
Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by WWF-Armenia in collaboration with SDA NGO.