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.

30 Sep
NEWSENG

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
Uncategorized

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.

29 Sep
Uncategorized

IADAAM Identifying Current Challenges in the Grapes and Tomatoes Value Chains in Vosketap, Vedi Community, Ararat Marz

Within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) program, the Agricultural Extension Support Team (AEST) carried out a field visit to the Vosketap settlement of Vedi community to assess current challenges and explore development opportunities in the grape and tomato value chains.

Through stakeholder consultations and on-site assessments with farmers, aggregators, and other value chain actors, several critical challenges were identified:

▪️ Limited market access and low procurement prices, stemming from long distances to markets, lack of coordination, and unfavorable contract terms with processors
▪️ High costs and low quality of agro-inputs, particularly pesticides and fertilizers, leading to increased vulnerability to diseases and fruit pests
▪️ Insufficient access to agricultural machinery, with high seasonal demand and limited availability
▪️ Labor shortages, driven by youth migration and the low appeal of daily wage employment
▪️ Limited access to affordable credit, due to prohibitively high interest rates
▪️ Lack of soil analysis and poor soil quality assessment, hindering effective land management and productivity

These identified challenges will serve as a foundation for designing targeted advisory interventions and informing policy recommendations by AEST, aiming to foster a competitive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system.

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, Avenue 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.

23 Sep
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

RECONOMY Digitalizing Tourism in Armenia: Tech Solutions as Drivers of Transformation

On September 23, the “Tourism Industry Digitalization” workshop was successfully held within the framework of RECONOMY’s “Digitalization of Sectors for Competitiveness” project. The event was co-organized by the Strategic Development Agency NGO (SDA) and the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE).

The workshop aimed to equip Armenia’s tourism sector stakeholders – including tour operators, travel agencies, and related businesses – with insights into cutting-edge digital solutions. These innovations are designed to streamline operations, boost competitiveness, and unlock the vast potential of ICT in shaping a more resilient tourism industry.

Highlights from the agenda included:

  • Market insights on digital transformation of tourism SMEs in Armenia, presented by GOVTECH LLC
  • Presentation of practical digital solutions by Munich Ventures, Rocket Systems LLC, and HackTech LLC
  • Interactive discussions addressing sector-specific challenges and opportunities
  • Exploration of collaboration pathways for integrating ICT into tourism practices

The workshop created a vibrant platform for dialogue between Armenia’s tourism professionals and the tech ecosystem – fostering partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange, and shaping a shared vision for a modern, data-driven, and innovation-powered tourism landscape.

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.

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