30 May
Uncategorized

IADAAM Project Team Visits Ararat and Artashat WUAs to Assess Support Opportunities

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of irrigation infrastructure, IADAAM Project’s Financial Expert Samvel Bareyan and Fund Expert Donald Aquilina conducted site visits to the Ararat and Artashat Water User Associations (WUAs).

In Ararat WUA, the visit focused on discussions around the status of the irrigation network constructed in the Ararat, Avshar, Aygavan, and Noyakert areas. During the visit, the team sought to:

🔹 Identify current challenges in operating the network,

🔹 Understand the perceived interest of farmers in using the infrastructure,

🔹 Assess the role and readiness of the Water Users Cooperative (WUC) to manage and operate the system,

🔹 Review the WUC’s plans to make the network fully operational,

🔹 Identify opportunities for the Project to provide targeted support.

In Artashat WUA, discussions centered on the irrigation network built in Goravan, Sisavan, and Urtsadzor, with the team:

🔹 Evaluating the current condition of the network,

🔹 Identifying challenges and gaps,

🔹 Understanding farmers’ interest and the WUA’s operational capacity,

🔹 Reviewing activation plans,

🔹 Exploring areas for potential Project assistance.

These visits are part of IADAAM’s continued commitment to strengthening irrigation systems in Armenia through local engagement, practical evaluation, and tailored support initiatives.

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 Agriconsulting Europe S.A, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy (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 May
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

LILA Participants of the Two-Month Course on “Basics of Tourism” Received Certificates

The closing meeting and certificate awarding ceremony of the two-month training course on “Basics of Tourism” organized within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project took place in Gosh community of Tavush region.

The training was designed for a group of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh, aiming to develop their skills and support their involvement in Armenia’s inbound and domestic tourism sector. The training was conducted by “One Way” Group LLC.

Edgar Navasardyan, founder of the “Our Mountains” sports camp, a project partner, introduced participants to the basics of adventure tourism, explaining the differences between hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. He also covered the essential aspects of organizing those trips, including important safety rules.

Lilya Torosyan, the tourism officer of the LILA project, presented certificates along with professional hiking equipment sets, wishing the participants success in their future careers.

Following the ceremony, the group enjoyed a cultural tour of Goshavank. During their visit to Gosh, participants also explored the “Arevi Gosh” hotel, another partner of the project, and learned about the nuances of hospitality.

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.

26 May
Uncategorized

IADAAM Team Visits “Aragatsotn” Water Users Association

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen irrigation systems and support sustainable agriculture, the IADAAM Project team—Team Lead Stefan Rosnow, Financial Expert Samvel Bareyan, and Fund Expert Donald Aquilina—visited the “Aragatsotn” Water Users Association (WUA).

The team held discussions with the WUA regarding the irrigation network previously constructed in the Baghramyan and Norakert areas. The purpose of the visit was to:

🔹 Assess the current status of the irrigation infrastructure;

🔹 Identify challenges farmers face in using the system;

🔹 Understand the obstacles the WUA encounters in managing and operating the network;

🔹 Review the WUA’s plans to make the network fully operational;

🔹 Explore potential areas of support from the IADAAM Project to help revitalize and optimize the irrigation services։

This collaborative effort is crucial for ensuring reliable water access for farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region. IADAAM team remains committed to working with local partners to unlock sustainable and impactful solutions.

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 Agriconsulting Europe S.A, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy (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.

26 May
NEWSARM, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

RECONOMY Fab Lab Gyumri’s Development Business Strategy Presented

On May 23, a presentation of the business strategy for Fab Lab Gyumri was held at the Gyumri branch of the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia—one of the key beneficiaries of RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project.

Tatev Hovhannisyan, Business Consultant, outlined the strategic vision for transforming Fab Lab Gyumri into a modern digital manufacturing hub, with a special emphasis on advancing the light industry sector. The strategy underscores the integration of innovative technologies with entrepreneurial thinking, and the importance of fostering collaboration among educational institutions, the business community, and local stakeholders. Notably, Fab Lab Gyumri is Armenia’s first initiative to operate an educational laboratory as a business venture.

This pioneering model provides students and emerging creatives with hands-on experience, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting—bridging the gap between art, design, and advanced digital technologies.

The event was attended by Mher Sahakyan, Project Manager of RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project, Vahagn Ghukasyan, Head of the Gyumri Branch of the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia, Jacqueline Karaaslanian, CEO of the Fab Lab Armenia Educational Foundation as well as faculty members and students of the academy.

The meeting also included discussions on upcoming activities planned within the project framework, aimed at further strengthening digital innovation and sectoral competitiveness in the region.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by Helvetas in partnership with the Strategic Development Agency NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.

26 May
Uncategorized

Media Tour Showcases Achievements of LILA Project in Northern Armenia

Within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project, WWF-Armenia, in collaboration with the “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO, organized a two-day media tour on May 21–22 in the Tavush and Lori regions.

The tour offered participants a firsthand look at the beneficiaries of both components of the LILA project, providing insight into its key interventions and accomplishments.

Alla Ghazaryan, LILA Project Coordinator, presented the project aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, improving local infrastructure and living conditions, and strengthening the skills and capacities of professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

As part of the visit, media representatives toured several LILA-supported businesses in northern Armenia, including the guesthouses Berkry, Chamich, Arevi Gosh, Wow Glamping, and the Loreni teahouse.

Naire Yeritsyan, LILA Project Coordinator, highlighted the project’s efforts to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, contribute to climate change mitigation, and build the climate resilience of local communities.

The media tour concluded on May 22 with participants attending the official release ceremony of red deer in Yeghegnut, organized by WWF-Armenia.

The tour was initiated and organized by Ecolur Information NGO.

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.

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