The target region of AREVADZOR Project - Enhancing SME (Small Medium Enterprise) competitiveness through promotion and wider use of sustainable innovative technologies - is in the central part of the Vayots Dzor Marz encompasses two of the three state sanctuaries – Yeghegnadzor and Herher sanctuaries.

The first challenge is to be able to take advantage of the high potential of the target region as an attractive destination for tourism. As a matter of fact, the region of Vayots Dzor marz provides interesting tourism sites and opportunities, which, if packaged and promoted properly, would become an attractive ecotourism cluster. In addition, the area within this cluster includes a wide range of natural and historic monuments with high potential tourism. Tourism has been adopted by the Government as a priority sector for the economic and social development of the Vayots Dzor marz.

In this context, to promote tourism in the region, the Government of Armenia has undertaken steps towards improvement of the infrastructure of the region, and the development and regular organization of festivals and other events. In this context, the project aims to foster employment.

The objectives

Overall objective of the proposed action is to contribute to enhance the economic competitiveness of Vayots Dzor region through promotion and wider use of sustainable innovative technologies by SMEs. Definitely, the project aims to foster employment by improving competitiveness of SMEs in tourism sector in the central part of the Vayots Dzor marz (around Yeghegnadzor and Herher sanctuaries).
This will be achieved through the promotion of environmentally and financially sustainable practices, particularly, environmental friendly tourism (eco-tourism) combined with the adoption renewable energy sources and efficient energy practices.

Target groups

In terms of geography, the proposed project will target communities in the central part of Vayots Dzor marz, including 7 rural communities and 1 urban community. In this region the target groups are:

• local communities;
• SMEs participating in ecotourism sector in the 8 target communities;
• Job seeking population of the 8 communities.

Programme Components

Promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources within SMEs
The Project will promote: (a) effective ecotourism practices, and (b) sustainable energy practices to benefit businesses in terms of cost savings, and promote “green business” and “green region”.

Establishment of Solar Photovoltaic Power Station
The Project will build and operate a Solar Photovoltaic Power Station with 1000 kwt capacity in the target region in Vayots Dzor.

Capacity and institution Building for sustainability
The Project aims at strengthening the institutional and human capacities to promote effective business practices and develop a stable cooperation between public authorities and the private sector for promotion of eco-tourism.