15 Apr
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

IADAAM Land Consolidation Discussion: Building a Shared Vision for Smarter Land Use

A collaborative roundtable brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of land consolidation under the IADAAM project. The discussion unfolded as a dynamic and insightful exchange, bringing together the expertise of IADAAM Fund experts Samvel Bareyan and Gayane Hovsepyan, legal expert Vladimir Babayan, AEST advisers Aram Petrosyan and Aram Zakaryan, and land consolidation experts Niels Otto Haldrup and Stepan Davtyan.

This collaborative session aimed to align perspectives on how to structure and implement land consolidation efforts within the IADAAM framework. Key discussion points included:

  • Legal mechanisms and safeguards to ensure a transparent and fair process;
  • Strategic consolidation models suited to Armenia’s rural landscape;
  • Technical and institutional readiness for implementation;
  • Cooperation between stakeholders to streamline the process and ensure long-term success.

The discussion underscored the importance of tailored, well-regulated land consolidation as a driver of agricultural productivity and rural transformation.

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, 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.

11 Apr
NEWSENG

#MAVETAambassadors Social Media Campaign Concluded in Yerevan

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the final event of the #MAVETAambassadors social media campaign took place in Yerevan on April 10.

Ambassadors of the project—students, and teachers from partner colleges received training on how to effectively present agricultural professions on social media and engage in microblogging on agriculture-related topics.

As part of the day’s agenda, participants visited the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, where they were welcomed by Sisak Gabrielyan, Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth. During the meeting, students and teachers had the opportunity to discuss issues related to education and community development.

In the afternoon, the group met with media expert and blogger Samvel Martirosyan for an engaging session.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the MAVETA ambassadors.

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the HEKS/EPER NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

 The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

 

10 Apr
Uncategorized

Strengthening Tourism Development: RECONOMY x LILA Meet with RA Tourism Committee

On April 9, 2025, within the frameworks of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) and RECONOMY’s Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” projects, a meeting was held between the Chair of the Tourism Committee of RA, Lusine Gevorgyan, representatives of the Committee and the afore-mentioned project managers.

The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss the development prospects of regional tourism, with a focus on assessing tourism potential, building local capacities, designing tourism products, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Special emphasis was placed on the development of skills and the certification needs of guides and tour leaders, particularly those involved in the adventure tourism sector.

LILA and RECONOMY project managers, together with the Chair and representatives of the Tourism Committee, also explored pathways for enhancing the tourism potential of recreation facilities managed by local businesses—such as hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants—through green, sustainable, and environmentally responsible tourism practices, especially in the regions of Armenia.

A mutual agreement was reached between RECONOMY and LILA projects and the Tourism Committee to expand and deepen their cooperation, with the aim of supporting the development of professional capacities in the tourism sector and ensuring more effective and sustainable results in this process.

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.

LILA project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and implemented by the WWF Armenian Office (WWF-Armenia) in partnership with the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO. 

09 Apr
Uncategorized

Technical Assistance to Goris State Agricultural College, a MAVETA Project Partner

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO provided a minibus to Goris State Agricultural College on April 8. This support aims to strengthen the capacities of partner educational institutions and facilitate the organization of dual education programs.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Goris Deputy Mayor  Irina Yolyan, Acting Director of the Agricultural College Anna Torozyan, private sector partners of the MAVETA project, as well as teachers and students.

Welcoming the attendees, MAVETA Project Manager Lilit Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of effectively implementing dual education, enhancing college-employer collaboration, and highlighted SDA’s long-standing commitment—spanning over two decades—to the development of the Syunik marz.

In her remarks, Deputy Mayor Irina Yolyan highly appreciated SDA’s initiatives for community and regional development, particularly its efforts to modernize agriculture and vocational education and training (VET) in Syunik.

Acting Director Anna Torozyan underscored the vital role of the MAVETA project in building the college’s capacities and acknowledged SDA’s continuous support. On behalf of the college, she presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the organization.

Additionally, within the project, modern equipment was provided to the college’s veterinary laboratory to support hands-on training for students.

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

09 Apr
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

IADAAM AEST Carries Out Agricultural Monitoring in Ararat

As part of ongoing efforts to support and monitor the agricultural sector, “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes” (IADAAM) Project’s Agricultural Extension Service (AEST) experts Wilhelm Kruse and Paruyr Asatryan, along with IADAAM project AEST Coordinator Vardan Ivanyan and and AEST Advisor Hakob Tarverdyan, carried out a series of field visits in the Ararat region. The aim was to gather insights, offer targeted support, and promote sustainable agricultural practices through direct stakeholder engagement.

Artashat Agricultural Market – Experts conducted a price study to monitor current trends and fluctuations in the market, aiming to ensure fair pricing and identify potential challenges faced by both producers and consumers.

Fertilizer and Pesticide Store – A productive discussion was held with local vendors on the sale and safe usage of fertilizers and pesticides. The visit focused on promoting responsible usage, ensuring product quality, and addressing regulatory compliance.

On-site Farmer Consultation – Experts visited a farmer directly in their garden to provide tailored advisory support, discuss practical challenges, and explore solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.

These field visits reflect IADAAM AEST’s commitment to strengthening agricultural practices through direct engagement, data collection, and expert guidance.

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 the 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.

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