ArmInfo.Switzerland announced the launch of the "Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Mountainous Armenia" (SIGMA) Program with a total budget of CHF12 million. The program aims to reduce poverty in the mountain villages of Shirak, Lori, Tavush and Gegharkunik regions of Armenia through the application of inclusive, innovative and environmentally friendly approaches in agriculture and agritourism.
During a conversation with reporters, head of the SIGMA team, Karen Gevorgyan noted that, what is noteworthy about the project is that the support will not be provided to the final beneficiary, but will be aimed at developing market mechanisms in mountainous areas, the support will not be as a result of which residents will be able to develop their activities and enter the market.
Answering a question from an ArmInfo correspondent, he noted that the program will be implemented in 2 stages over 10 years. At the first stage of the project, it is planned to implement 5 projects with a total budget of CHF4 million. The implementation of the second one is scheduled for the end of 2026.
"Projects implemented within the framework of SIGMA will contribute to the opening of new jobs and have a stable source of income," Gevorgyan emphasized, noting that the program will be implemented jointly with the private sector.
In addition, he said that the main approach of SIGMA is to involve women, citizens with limited opportunities, as well as forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.
As Armen Zakaryan, responsible for the implementation of the SIGMA program, explained, a number of projects have already been developed that will be implemented in Lori and Gegharkunik regions. In particular, he spoke about plans to build a grain seed cleaning station in the Vardenis community (Gegharkunik region), and a scientific, industrial and educational center will be opened in Margahovit village (Lori region), which will provide comprehensive services for beekeepers, etc.
Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia Werner Thut, in turn, emphasized that Switzerland, year after year, starting from the devastating Spitak earthquake (1988), has increased its support for Armenia and its involvement through the implementation of programs, especially over the past 5 years. Referring to Switzerland's rich experience of decentralization, especially in terms of population, Mr Thut noted: "We consider it wrong when the population is concentrated in big cities, so we chosethe highland villages, where we were able to successfully carry out decentralization works in Switzerland. Now we are trying to apply this experience in Armenia."
The program is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and is implemented by the international company DAI Global UK (DAI) and its Armenian branch in collaboration with AM Partners Consulting Company.
Within the framework of SIGMA, cooperation will develop between "catalysts" ensuring growth in rural areas and between small businesses and farmers.
According to the Swiss Embassy in Armenia, the "catalysts" could be investors, buyers, larger farmers, suppliers of agricultural goods and inputs or tourism-related enterprises.
It is expected that as a result of the implementation of the program, areas such as agriculture, wild plants, agritourism, and agricultural technologies that do not harm the environment and contribute to adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its consequences will be consistently developed.
The SDC is a department at the level of the Swiss federal administration and is part of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Together with other federal departments, the SDC is responsible for the overall coordination of Swiss activities in the field of international development and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as for humanitarian assistance.
The goal of development cooperation is to reduce poverty. SDC contributes, in particular, to strengthening economic and political self-reliance, contributes to improving working conditions, assists solve environmental problems and promotes increased access to education and basic health services.
