INLIMA Advancing Sustainable Livestock Farming through Regional Partnership

Within the framework of the INLIMA Project, a series of working meetings was held involving Programme Manager Vahe Hovhannisyan and Livestock Breeding Component Lead Mikayel Haykuni, who met with representatives of the Agriculture and Environmental Protection Departments of Ararat and Armavir marzes of the Republic of Armenia.

The meetings focused on reviewing the project implementation progress, discussing the planned interventions in the livestock breeding sector, and exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation at the regional level. Particular attention was given to the process of identifying animal migration routes, analysing existing challenges, and jointly identifying possible solutions. Discussions also addressed the involvement of local institutions, mechanisms for information exchange, and the effective organisation of coordinated actions.

These meetings served as an important platform for ensuring coordinated efforts between public institutions and programme partners, as well as for effectively advancing initiatives with sustainable and long-term impact in the livestock sector.

“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.

IADAAM Pruning Training for Farmers in the Ararat Community

On December 20-21, a hands-on pruning training was conducted in the Ararat community for local farmers. The training introduced participants to modern approaches to pruning and canopy formation of fruit crops, combining theory with on-site practical demonstrations.

The sessions covered the specific pruning techniques for stone fruit trees, as well as almond, raspberry, mulberry, black mulberry, blackberry, and grapevine, based on science-driven practices and efficient orchard management principles

Through practical work and peer-to-peer experience sharing, farmers enhanced their professional skills aimed at proper orchard management, healthy plant development, and sustainably increasing productivity.

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 (AFD), 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 AESA, 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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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.

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.

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.