22 Dec
NEWSENG

RECONOMY Regional Tourism Development Coordination Meeting

On 18 November 2025, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) hosted a coordination workshop in Yerevan as part of the RECONOMY Regional Tourism Development Initiative, bringing together partner inbound tour operators and key tourism stakeholders.

The workshop focused on strengthening cooperation around the development and promotion of cross-border tourism products in the Eastern Partnership region, highlighting the complementarity between Cluster A (European market) 🇪🇺 and Cluster B (regional and neighboring markets)

Participants explored the strategic vision of RECONOMY, discussed linkages between regional clusters, and gained insights into “Armenia Discovery” – a flagship tourism product positioning Armenia as a compelling destination within the wider regional tourism ecosystem.

Beyond presentations, the workshop created a valuable space for dialogue, alignment, and partnership-building, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and market-oriented tourism development.

Working together to turn regional potential into competitive tourism experiences.

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.

19 Dec
Uncategorized

SEIRA & INLIMA project teams met with representatives of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia

As part of the ongoing collaboration, the project teams held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, the Head of the Livestock Department, Mr. Tigran Aleksanyan, and the Head of the Agricultural Programs Design Department, Ms. Ira Panosyan. The meeting focused on opportunities for sectoral cooperation, during which the teams presented the projects’ key components, current activities, and upcoming steps.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the livestock sector, the effective and targeted design of agricultural projects, and their coordinated alignment with state policies.

Within the framework of the meeting, Lilit Petrosyan, responsible for the “Improving Access to Milk and Meat” component of the INLIMA project, presented the project’s approach to fostering constructive dialogue and outlined the conceptual framework proposed by the project.

The meeting served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and developing shared approaches to sectoral priorities. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued and constructive collaboration aimed at the sustainable development of agriculture in Armenia.

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.

“Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding & Markets” (INLIMA) project is implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

17 Dec
Uncategorized

IADAAM Demonstration Farms – Phase I Selection Process

Within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, the Phase I selection process for Demonstration Farms has officially commenced.

The Project Implementation Team (MoE PIT), the IADAAM team, and representatives of the Agricultural Extension Services (#AEST) came together for a coordination meeting to review applications via the selection criteria, and shortlist the first round of candidate demonstration farms.

This collaborative process ensures transparency, technical relevance, and strong alignment with the project’s objectives – laying the groundwork for demonstration farms that will serve as practical learning hubs, promote innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthen farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange.

Further stages of the selection process will follow as the project moves toward implementation.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

16 Dec
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

SEIRA Capacity Building in Poultry Farming for Displaced Persons

Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, two short-term training courses on “Best Practices in Poultry Farming” were conducted in the Gegharkunik and Syunik regions from December 4 to 10. As part of the initiative, home visits were also organized to the places of residence of refugees.

The trainings were delivered by Mark Heijmans, a poultry specialist and veterinarian from the PUM organization, who shared modern, practical, and field-oriented knowledge in poultry production. The participants were forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh residing in the communities of Goris, Sisian, Gavar, Vardenis, and Chambarak.

The trainings were delivered by Marc Heijmans, an expert from the PUM and a veterinarian–poultry specialist, who shared modern, practical, and applicable knowledge in the field of poultry farming. Participants included forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh residing in the communities of Goris, Sisian, Gavar, Vardenis, and Chambarak.

During the home visits, the expert assessed the on-site conditions of the farms and provided tailored consultations, focusing in particular on:

  • modern methods for the prevention and control of poultry diseases,
  • effective housing and husbandry practices,
  • increasing egg and meat production.

This initiative, implemented under the SEIRA project, aims to promote sustainable self-employment and income-generating opportunities for displaced persons by building on knowledge, professional expertise, and solutions adapted to local conditions.

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.

15 Dec
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

IADAAM Pruning Training for Farmers of the Vedi Community

Within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, a two-day professional training on fruit tree and grapevine pruning was organized for farmers of the Vedi community.

The training was designed with a balanced combination of theoretical instruction and practical application, introducing modern, efficient, and science-based approaches to pruning and plant canopy management. Participants not only enhanced their technical knowledge but also engaged in hands-on orchard work under the close supervision and guidance of sector experts.

The initiative aims to strengthen the professional capacities of local farmers, improve on-farm productivity, and contribute to the development of sustainable and competitive agriculture.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

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