On September 5-6, the settlements of Baghramyan and Norakert became centers of meaningful dialogue and strategic engagement under the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project. These community consultations marked a significant step toward ensuring that the voices of local beneficiaries are not only heard – but actively shape – the future of irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Designed as open, two-way forums, the meetings provided residents a clear and comprehensive introduction to the program’s key components, while inviting them to explore how they could participate – either individually or through integrated involvement.

The following components were introduced and discussed:

• Agricultural Extension Services – field-tested, locally tailored advisory support to empower farmers with knowledge and best practices.
• Land Consolidation – strategic support for optimizing land use and improving agricultural efficiency.
• Establishment of Agricultural Cooperatives –  collaborative models that foster shared ownership, market access, and collective growth.
• Grant Support – competitive funding windows to support bold, community-driven ideas and strengthen rural resilience through innovation.

Each session was led by the project’s experts, who not only outlined the vision and mechanics behind each component but also facilitated conversations around eligibility, benefits, and implementation modalities.

Residents seized the opportunity to raise context-specific questions, share on-the-ground realities, and offer practical suggestions – helping to ensure that the project’s interventions remain both relevant and responsive.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the residents of Baghramyan and Norakert for their active participation, trust, and willingness to collaborate. Your engagement lays the groundwork for a more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable transformation of Armenia’s agricultural sector.

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.

The “Training Course for Emerging Regional Guides”, launched under the LILA Project, continues its vital mission of unlocking the tourism potential of Lori, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor regions.

Last week, participants – residents of these very regions – took part in immersive, two-day practical field exercises that blended professional training with real-world adventure and discovery.

Throughout the sessions, participants:

• Explored the unique ecological and cultural assets of their home regions;
• Acquired practical guiding and interpretation skills to effectively lead and inform visitors;
• Engaged with local communities to better understand and communicate traditional knowledge, history, and local narratives.

These hands-on exercises were designed not only to enhance professional competencies, but also to promote adventure and ecotourism as engines of sustainable development and to deepen community involvement in the tourism value chain.

The training is implemented by the Armenian Tourism Federation and the Armenian Guides Guild, adhering to internationally recognized standards and certification frameworks.

By building a strong foundation of local expertise and inclusive tourism practices, we are collectively shaping a sustainable, knowledge-based, and community-led future for tourism in 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.