Journalists Discover LILA Project’s Impact in Northern Armenia

Posted on May, 22 2025

Following the media tour in Syunik and Vayots Dzor, the Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project continued its outreach in the country’s northern regions. On May 21–22, journalists were invited to explore the project's environmental and economic achievements in the Tavush and Lori provinces — two regions where the LILA project is bringing nature conservation and rural development together to shape more resilient communities.

The tour offered media representatives the opportunity to visit a variety of LILA-supported sites, speak directly with beneficiaries and local authorities, and observe how targeted interventions are delivering both ecological and social impact.

Throughout the northern tour, journalists visited sites where LILA-supported infrastructure and energy solutions are helping local administrations and communities operate more efficiently and sustainably.

In Margahovit, a 15 kW solar station was installed on the roof of the administrative building, providing clean energy while reducing electricity costs. To support local pasture management, a livestock water point was also constructed in the community to enhance access to remote grazing areas.

In Dsegh, at the administrative building, Armen Chopuryna from Tumanyan municipality introduced the improvements made with LILA’s support: installation of a solar station, thermal insulation and renovation of the second floor and roof, and the implementation of an energy-efficient heating system. A livestock enclosure and watering point were also constructed to support sustainable livestock management in surrounding pastures.

In Yeghegnut, the project contributed to the insulation and renovation of the roof of the administrative building, improved the exterior finishes, and supported the renovation of a field road.

Journalists were also introduced to the results of LILA’s economic component, which supports rural tourism infrastructure and local business development.

In Yenokavan, the group visited Berkri guesthouse and gastroyard, which received infrastructure support through the project as part of efforts to develop rural tourism and boost local entrepreneurship.

In Gosh, the journalists explored Arevi Gosh guesthouse, constructed with the assistance of the project to create sustainable income for local families and improve tourism infrastructure in the village.

In Debed, the visit included Chamich guesthouse, where a newly constructed event hall is now supporting tourism and community gatherings in the area.

Another key example of LILA’s tourism development support was presented at WOW Glamping, where the accommodation site benefited from infrastructure assistance through the project’s economic component. In Loreni, journalists visited the Loreni Teahouse, a business supported through the construction of the teahouse itself, as well as through assistance in marketing and capacity building.

Each of these initiatives contributes to strengthening local economies while positioning northern Armenia as an attractive and sustainable tourism destination.

The tour concluded with a major milestone: the release of red deer into the wild in the forests of Lori — marking their return to the region after more than 50 years of absence.

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The Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and is implemented by WWF-Armenia in partnership with the Strategic Development Agency (SDA).

© WWF Armenia