13 Oct
Uncategorized

From Open Dialogue to Joint Progress: SEIRA Promotes Cooperation in Syunik

Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, a multi-stakeholder facilitating meetings were held on October 9 in Goris and October 10 in Sisian, bringing together key actors of the agricultural value chain and refugee beneficiaries of the project to foster dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable local partnerships.

Participants included milk collectors, slaughterhouse representatives, veterinarians-inseminators, as well as forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh who have received support through SEIRA Project or are interested in engaging in agricultural activities. This format created a space for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of practical collaboration.

Vahe Hovhannisyan, SEIRA Project Manager, highlighted the strategic importance of these meetings, highlighting three core objectives:
• to identify and overcome barriers to cooperation,
• to establish long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships,
• and to promote the development of agricultural potential through targeted project support.

These platforms serve as spaces of trust and joint progress –

  • fostering economic and social cohesion,
  • promoting the full inclusion of refugees in the local economy,
  • and positioning agriculture as a driving force for sustainable community development.

SEIRA continues to transform challenges into opportunities – contributing to the creation of strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.

“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.

13 Oct
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

LILA strengthens the professional capacity of Armenia’s adventure tourism sector

Within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project, the advanced training course on “Capacity Building Training for the Development of Mountain, Sports, and Adventure Tourism” has successfully concluded.

Throughout the course, participants enhanced their competencies in adventure tourism planning, route development, safety management, and effective response to emergency situations in challenging environments.

Combining theoretical sessions with intensive field practice, the training concluded in the mountainous areas of Lori, where participants had the opportunity to apply the knowledge and technical skills acquired during the program in real-life conditions.

The training was delivered by experienced experts from the Armenian Federation of Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism — Suren Danielyan, Antoine Ananyan, Edgar Navasardyan, Narine Chagharyan, and Gegham Aloyan.

This initiative marks an important step toward the qualitative advancement of Armenia’s adventure tourism, promoting higher safety standards and strengthening the sector’s professional capacities.

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.

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
NEWSENG

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, 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.

«‹1213141516›»