Annual workshop with the representatives of local self-government bodies on sustainable pasture management

In the framework of “Livestock Development in the South of Armenia” and “Livestock Development in Armenia: South – North” projects implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO a workshop devoted to summarizing annual results of activities carried out with the Local Self-Government Bodies (LSGBs) in the field of pasture management and discussing further steps was held in Jermuk from December 23 to 27. Around 300 representatives of LSGBs and regional administrations of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Lori, Shirak, Gegharkunik and Tavush marzes participated in the workshop.

The event started with the opening speeches of “Strategic Development Agency” NGO representatives followed by presentations of the necessity of sustainable pasture management and the role of communities in this field and the summary of activities of the Program Coordination Platform for Sustainable Management of RA’s Natural Fodder Areas during 2019. During the last section of the event results of the two projects’ interventions towards development of capacities of target LSGBs were presented, lessons learned were discussed and a Q&A session took place. At the end of the event the participants presented their suggestions and recommendations.

“Livestock Development in the South of Armenia” project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and “Livestock Development in Armenia: South – North” project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (the operational unit of Austrian Development and Cooperation) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The projects include 200 rural settlements of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Lori, Shirak, Gegharkunik and Tavush marzes with around 160,000 inhabitants. In target regions, the projects aim to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities of households involved in livestock farming also through sustainable natural resource management.