10 Oct
Uncategorized

LILA Project Advances Regional Tourism through Emerging Regional Guides Training

Within the framework of the LILA program, a two-month “Training Course for Emerging Regional Guides” was successfully concluded, aimed at fostering sustainable tourism development in the regions of Lori, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor.

The course was conducted by the Armenian Federation of Tourism NGO and the Guild of Armenian Guides, in line with international standards and professional qualifications.

Over the course of two months, participants gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in:

  • The principles and ethics of guiding and tour leading,
  • The art of storytelling and effective communication,
  • The design and organization of tourist routes,
  • Visitor service and hospitality standards,
  • The presentation of local values and cultural heritage.

The training also included regional field trips and practical exercises, enabling participants to engage directly with local communities and tourism businesses, and to explore the real-world tourism potential of their regions.

The program concluded with a graduation ceremony, during which participants received certificates recognizing their professional competencies and readiness to contribute to regional tourism growth.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the long-term development of regional tourism, cultivating a new generation of skilled local professionals who will present the nature, culture, and history of their regions, thereby strengthening the visibility and economic vitality of Armenia’s provinces.

LILA Project continues to pursue its mission of advancing sustainable tourism in the regions and creating new opportunities for communities, professionals, and businesses across Armenia.

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.

03 Oct
Uncategorized

From Crisis to Opportunity: SEIRA Project Continues to Advance Socio-Economic Transformation and Foster Resilient Communities

On October 1st, within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, a multi-stakeholder facilitating meeting was held in the Chambarak community of Gegharkunik region. The event aimed to facilitate constructive dialogue between key actors in the agricultural value chain and refugee beneficiaries.

Participants included local milk collectors, representatives of a regional slaughterhouse, a veterinarian and insemination specialist, as well as forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh who have received support through SEIRA. Also in attendance were refugee farmers and individuals exploring opportunities in agriculture and interested in project’s assistance.

Vahe Hovhannisyan, SEIRA Project Manager, outlined the core objectives of the meeting:

  • To identify key barriers to collaboration and unlock development opportunities;
  • To establish sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships between stakeholders;
  • And to provide targeted support through SEIRA to strengthen and institutionalize these connections.

Such dialogue-based engagements create meaningful platforms for:

📌 Building trust-based cooperation,

📌 Enabling the full economic inclusion of refugees in host communities,

📌 Harnessing agricultural potential as a driver of sustainable integration.

These meetings represent a significant step not only toward economic integration, but also toward strengthening social cohesion – transforming crisis into a pathway for long-term development and opportunity.

The “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.

02 Oct
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

With the support of the LILA Project, a capacity-building training on adventure tourism has officially launched

As part of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) Project, an advanced Capacity Building Training for the Development of Mountain, Sports, and Adventure Tourism was officially launched on October 1st. The training aims to enhance the professional competencies of mountaineers, hikers, and adventure tourism specialists, with a strong emphasis on the safe, responsible, and internationally compliant delivery of adventure tourism services across Armenia.

The training is implemented by the “Armenian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation”, led by a team of accomplished and highly qualified experts in the field, including Suren Danielyan, Antuan Ananyan, Edgar Navasardyan, Narine Jagharyan, and Gegham Aloyan.

Combining theoretical instruction with hands-on practice, the training program features classroom-based sessions alongside practical field exercises conducted in the challenging mountain terrain of the Lori region. This immersive approach ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire critical technical and decision-making skills in real-life conditions.

Participants were selected through a competitive process based on strict eligibility criteria, including:

✔️ A minimum of three years of relevant field experience

✔️ Above-average physical preparedness

✔️ Full availability and commitment to participate in both theoretical and regional field components of the course

Throughout the training, participants will strengthen their competencies in key areas such as:

🔹 Adventure tour planning, route selection, risk assessment, and safety management

🔹 Rock climbing, rope techniques, knot systems, and proper use of climbing equipment

🔹 First response in emergency situations, group leadership, and orientation in complex terrain

🔹 Design and implementation of water-based adventure activities, including SUP, kayaking, and river crossing

🔹 Use of communication and navigation technologies – GPS, radio systems, and mobile networks – for emergency coordination

This initiative represents a strategic step forward in enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of Armenia’s growing adventure tourism sector. By investing in the capacities of field professionals, the LILA Project is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, standards-driven, and responsible tourism industry in the country.

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.

30 Sep
Uncategorized

IADAAM AEST From Cooperatives to Advanced Irrigation Solutions: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

As part of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, the Vedi team of the Agricultural Extension Service (AEST) held a working meeting with beneficiaries from the Ararat community.

The discussion focused on several key areas:

🔹 The importance of establishing initiative groups to support the formation of agricultural cooperatives;
🔹 Opportunities to introduce modern irrigation systems for the more efficient use of water from the Vedi Reservoir;
🔹 Beneficiary selection principles aligned with the project’s eligibility criteria;
🔹 The role of Agricultural Extension Service Centers and the range of services they provide to ensure more targeted, needs-based, and effective agricultural support;
🔹 Available state support programs and the procedures for applying.

Local farmers expressed strong appreciation for the collaborative opportunities and advisory services made available through the project.

Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (AFD) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Within IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avelue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.

29 Sep
NEWSARM, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

Elevating Local Baking Traditions: Armenian Culinary Talents Trained in European Artisanal Breads under the LILA Project

Within the framework of the #LILA Project, a specialized PUM Training Course on “Local Cuisine Development” was successfully conducted, bringing together the talented culinary teams of Khachik Bakery and Sheram by Mariam for an intensive hands-on experience in European artisanal baking.

Led by internationally renowned master baker Bert Steehouder, the training focused on mastering traditional techniques and refining baking skills. Participants were trained in the preparation of a variety of classic Italian and French baked goods, including the  baguette, croissant,  pain au chocolat, ciabatta, and focaccia.

This hands-on training enabled participants to develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical intricacies and cultural significance of artisanal bread-making. It facilitated a valuable exchange between international expertise and local craftsmanship, fostering the adoption of high-quality standards, technical precision, and a forward-looking approach to product development and innovation within the local culinary sector.

This initiative represents an important step in the ongoing development of local culinary capacity – linking traditional practices with globally recognized standards, and opening new avenues for quality production and entrepreneurship in Armenia’s food sector.

Where knowledge meets tradition, excellence begins to rise.

Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by WWF-Armenia in collaboration with SDA NGO.

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