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ABOUT THE PROJECT
Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) is a 7-year project aimed at preserving the livelihoods of the rural population of Armenia through protection and sustainable use of natural resources in mountainous ecosystems of Armenia.
The project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Caucasus and Armenian offices in collaboration with Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO.
WHERE IS THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTED?
The focus of the project was defined to be on 6 communal municipalities covering 16 settlements (villages), 12 of which are from Tavush and Lori provinces of Northern Armenia and 4 from Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces of Southern Armenia.
These have been strategically chosen as areas that coincide with the larger environmental project, “Promotion of EcoCorridors in the Southern Caucasus” (ECF, Ecoregional Corridors Fund), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank and implemented by WWF Caucasus.
THE BENEFITS FOR COMMUNITIES
As of June 2024, 178 people are employed within beneficiary businesses of the LILA project in activities related to sustainable tourism, of them 54 are new employees.
As a result, 71 households from rural tourism and adjacent businesses have increased their income.
Skills and capacities are enhanced for 38 staff members from 18 businesses.
In total, 5271 tourists bought sustainable tour packages from the partner tour operators however, the number of customers served by the acting businesses is much higher -- 8496.
Through the communication activities, 307,338 people in Armenia and abroad have been informed on inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Benefits for Nature
Due to the energy produced by solar PV stations installed by the project, emissions of 29 Mt of CO2 have been avoided, accounting for 3,699,259 AMD budget savings.
In total, 12,547 local people benefited from climate change actions.
Due to the project intervention 29,372 ha pastures and 81,646 ha forest lands are placed under sustainable management.
In total, 22 pasture infrastructures have been constructed in 15 settlements: watering points, enclosures and field roads.
Trainings on Climate Change and sustainable use of Natural Resources have been delivered to 162 farmers and NGO staff.
OUTCOME 1:
OUTCOME 2:
OUTCOME 1
The LILA project works to develop inclusive economic opportunities around sustainable tourism and the interconnected value chains of wild harvesting and food inputs from small scale farmers, processors and suppliers.
OUTCOME 2
In addition, with its support to local governments and state agencies for a more sustainable management of natural resources and building resilience to climate change impact, the Project creates a more conducive environment for reaching nature conservation goals.
Discover the healing power of nature with “Loreni” Herbal Teas. This selection features teas made from hand-picked herbs from landscapes of Lori region. Committed to sustainability, “Loreni” promotes wild harvesting practices that do not harm the environment.
“Loreni” Herbal Tea previously reported as “Toorm” tea is another female-owned family business founded through LILA support. This started as a family initiative in 2020 and currently engages 4 households and 4 women residing in Dsegh settlement who are engaged in wild-harvesting activities. With the support of the project business plan, name, brand, logo, promo materials, design for packaging and labels were developed and social media accounts were opened to increase their online sales.
The beneficiary also conducts online sales and promotes business on social media platforms using learnt skills from digital marketing training organised in the frameworks of the Project. To increase brand awareness and sales they participated in “Edible Herbs Fest 2023” in Dsegh, Lori- (July 22nd, 2023, Harvest Festival of Rural Life and Traditions (September 16-17th, 2023).
Existing infrastructure was improved with the Project support. Their wooden shelter has been renovated and transformed into a tea drying unit, which also provides a tea tasting opportunity. In 2024 they expanded and opened a tea house where they serve brewed herbal teas and local delicious food.
With the Project support they have received packaging, official labels issued by the "National Body for Standards and Metrology", bar codes, officially registered their brand, thus becoming first branded product in Dsegh settlement, and now will be able to sell their products even in the supermarkets. This family-owned business initiative provides employment / self-employment to 7 people, 6 of which are women. With the received marketing support and improved skills, they have hosted hundreds of visitors in their tea house and started regular supply of their packaged teas to 3 hotels in Dsegh settlements.
Discover “Shaghat” Agricultural Cooperative products made from natural ingredients and wild harvest that reflect commitment to sustainable practices in the Syunik region.
Supporting community-driven initiatives empower local producers and products.
“Shaghat” Agricultural cooperative has been selected as a supplier of locally grown food and wild harvest, having about 52 members and providing various agricultural services, this cooperative has huge potential to sustain local agriculture and create various seasonal and permanent employment opportunities for the local rural dwellers. With the Project support cooperative attended Harvest Festival of Rural Life and Traditions (September 16-17th, 2023) and “Navasard Armenian-Iranian Cultural Culinary Festival”- August 10-11th, to showcase their produce to tourism actors. Within the Project business development plan has been developed, a branding and packaging has been finalized, so that from March 2024 they have been able to sell their products in proper packaging under official label and brand, which has made them more presentable and contributed to the establishment of sustainable supply to local HoReCa businesses.
With the Project support “Shaghat” Agricultural cooperative has been equipped with packaging machines, the drying unit has been renovated, branding and packaging is developed, which allows them to sell at higher prices, supply their products to hospitality and tourism, as well as to host tourists for agritourism purposes. For the reporting period “Shaghat” agricultural cooperative has already hosted 150 visitors due to intensive collaboration with Sisian DMO, as well as started to supply 1 market in Yerevan, and The Ranch LLC in Syunik . Shaghat agricultural cooperative provides employment/self-employment opportunities to 35 people, 24 of which are women.
Experience the flavors of Armenia at “Artcheese”։ Cheese Tasting Room. Visitors are welcomed to witness the entire process of cheese making and savor a great variety of premium cheeses made from fresh milk sourced from local farmers in Vayots Dzor.
“Art Cheese” - Cheese Tasting Room opened in August and became the second cheese tasting hall in Armenia, thus offering diversified gastro tourism opportunities. “ArtCheese” milk and dairy production workshop also supplies dairy products to tourism and hospitality. To increase their product visibility among local tourism actors, the beneficiary participated in “Navasard Armenian-Iranian Cultural Culinary Festival”- August 10-11th. In November an exchange of experience was organised with ‘’Say Cheese’’ leading restaurant-shop for premium cheeses. This exchange equipped the beneficiary with the practical skills on how to design cheese boards and how to sell them.
The Cheese Tasting Room has gained popularity due to Project marketing support and collaboration with partner tour operators, who have completely replaced other cheese tasting experiences with “ArtCheese”. As of now ArtCheese provides employment / self-employment to 69 people (including suppliers) 26 of which are women. ‘ArtCheese’ has increased its supply and now supplies cheese to 17 tourism and hospitality businesses located in Vayots Dzor, Yerevan and even Ijevan Wine Factory. Attendance at Yerevan Wine Days” and “Mimino” Georgian-Armenian Festival in Dilijan, including other festivals last year contributied to the demand of ‘ArtCheese’ production.
"Poonj” is a bouquet of authentic flavors offering visitors a unique and interesting tourist experience, providing the opportunity to taste high-quality preserves, take a tour to the gardens and the factory, and discover the authentic flavors of Vayots Dzor while enjoying beautiful sunsets.
In September 2024 Poonj Cannery from Vernashen officially launched a tasting room, which will not only provide tourism experiences of harvesting and tasting canned fruits, but also restore supply to the HoReCa businesses. “Poonj” Cannery acts as a major economic catalyst in the region by providing direct employment to 20 people of which 16 are women, and procures wild harvested berries and fruits from additional 29 households, not counting small scale seasonal procurements from villagers. Poonj Cannery in Vernashen Vayots Dzor will launch a tasting room and provide harvesting experiences to the tourists, as well as restore supply to the HoReCa businesses.
Mi Bur social initiative produces doshab from wild harvested rosehip and grapes in Khachik settlement. With the project support they’ve developed new packaging and obtained new labelling and bottling equipment to increase procurement and production. Currently they provide employment/self-employment to 14 people and procure wild harvested rosehip, grapes and nuts from 7 households of Khachik settlement.
Arevi Gosh Hotel is your gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Armenia among lush forests and towering mountains. Here you can explore scenic hiking trails or simply breathe fresh mountain air. Committed to sustainability, Arevi supports the local community and invites you to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the Tavush region.
Arevi Gosh Hotel has provided new or better employment / self-employment for 21 persons 14 of which are women. Moreover, during the reporting period 1300 persons have used the upgraded facilities of the business.
Family-owned guesthouse “Berkri” reflects the warmth of Armenian hospitality, where wine and locally sourced food promise to make your stay tasty and unforgettable.
Guesthouse fosters connections between visitors and locals, celebrating the rich heritage and beauty of the Tavush region.
Berkri Gastroyard in Yenokavan started operating in full capacity from the end of December 2023. They now provide new or better employment / self-employment for 26 persons 12 of which are women. Moreover, during the reporting period 3000 persons have used the upgraded facilities of the business.
The first of its kind in Armenia, “Wow glamping” is the first luxury glamping experience in the country, offering comfort, beauty, unparalleled programs, and exceptional hospitality. To rediscover, love, connect with, and care for Mother Nature, “Wow glamping” provides new opportunities for “green” tourism. This is a place where nature and modern luxury intertwine, offering an entirely new level of relaxation.
WOW Glamping in Dsegh is another beneficiary to be fully ready by September. They offer rural tourism experiences in Dsegh and have a huge potential to enhance supply of locally grown and processed food to support local dwellers of Dsegh. This business has been offering glamping so far, however, with the Project support they will expand and add an artificial lake, enrich their restaurant menu with local food and promote their eco and gastro tourism offerings. With Project support WOW Glamping and Lodges in Dsegh expanded its infrastructure by adding safari style wooden lodges, thus providing alternative lodging for travellers who don’t opt for glamping. Furthermore, Dsegh settlement became a popular tourism destination with scarce lodging options, and WOW Lodges filled the gap. For the reporting period WOW Glamping and Lodges provide new or better employment /self-employment for 29 persons of which 21 are women.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of “Anapat” Canyon at the edge of Areni Gorge, and enjoy a stay at the eco-friendly “Areni Wine Art” Guesthouse in the picturesque village of Areni.
Surrounded by Vayots Dzor’s stunning landscapes, this solar-powered guesthouse blends comfort with sustainability while celebrating the region’s rich winemaking heritage—perfect for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Areni Wine Art Guesthouse is the first guesthouse in Areni and Anapat Canyon has become a must visit spot for adventure lovers. It has been operating since 2016, but needed a recovery after Covid. It currently provides new or better employment/self-employment for 16 persons, of which 9 are women. As previously reported, the guesthouse used to face high seasonality and had high CO2 emission rates. For winter months the guesthouse was closed for energy saving or it was heated by using firewood, which only increased environmental impact. With the project interventions it became the first solar powered guesthouse in Armenia and reduced CO2 footprint by replacing firewood with green energy.
“Arpa” Protected Landscape, Armenia's first community-managed protected area, is dedicated to conserving the region's unique flora and fauna, including nature’s fearless alpinists: bezoar goats and the majestic Caucasian leopard. 
Ranger-led tour is once in a lifetime experience for visitors to explore Arpa’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and guard nature for a day.
Areni Cave 1 located in Areni settlement, features an archaeological site with 6000 years old winery and the most visited tourism location in Vayots dzor with over 30.000 annual visitors. Areni Cave 1 is a nature monument with a museum inside where the oldest wine barrels and shօe were discovered, which states that winemaking has a 6000-year-old history in Armenia. This cave is also a nature monument and a habitat for many endangered and endemic birds in Armenia. With the Project support and gained experience through exchange Areni Cave 1 will open a wine degustation hall where guests can try wine made of entirely wild and endemic varieties of grapes growing only in Areni. This site acts as a catalyst to tourism in Vayots dzor. With project support they’ll introduce a new experience of tasting unique wine made of wild varieties of grape. Also, a solar panel will be installed to provide energy supply with no disruption, as currently energy supply is frequently disrupted which affects tourists’ experiences and daily operation of the site. Areni Cave 1 provides employment to 15 people.
Step back in time at “Old Bridge” Wine Tasting Hall, where history meets flavor. Enjoy tasting wine made of local indigenous grape varieties of Vayots Dzor. Here each glass tells a story․
Old Bridge Wine Tasting Hall and Guesthouse is a crucial wine route of Vayots dzor and a must visit place for most of the travellers. With the growing demand there was a need to expand the infrastructure and with the project support a new tasting hall was constructed. This family owned winery and wine tasting hall provides employment/self-employment to 28 locals.
“Healthy Honey” honey producer in Marts, Lori has already received official label and license, and will supply its produce to HoReCa businesses. With the project support they will receive necessary equipment for honey production and packaging to increase the quality and the quantity of the production.
“Ahnidzor” is a hidden gem nestled in the scenic Lori region, where you can discover a one-of-a-kind retreat that blends art, nature and Armenian traditional hospitality. Once the residence of renowned Armenian artist Khachik Gharabekyan, “Ahnidzor” is now an artist residency and family-owned guesthouse that invites guests to experience the warmth of local culture and the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
“Our Mountains” sport camp invites you to embrace adventure!
Offering activities like hiking, rock climbing and outdoor sports, it encourages you to explore Armenia’s majestic mountains while staying active.
Experience the thrill of nature and stunning landscapes.
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Nor Tours Gastroyard is a small family owned gastroyard in Gladzor settlement, featuring a small kitchen with food pavilion offering masterclasses of local delicacies, as well as guided walking and off-road tours. As a small household business, it provides employment/self-employment to 9 persons.
Chamich Guesthouse is another favourite spot for travellers in Debet settlement. It offers various master classes, horse riding experiences and local cuisine. With project support the guesthouse has expanded and built a restaurant and a training room, which will enable the guest house to host larger groups and various events. The guesthouse provides employment/self-employment to 8 people.
Revival of Armenian traditional cuisine of Lori, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor regions while promoting gastro tourism in Armenia! These collections highlight authentic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and wild harvest unique to these regions.
Dive into culinary heritage and discover how traditional recipes can inspire sustainable eating practices.