1 June 2026

Key Results and Achievements of the Project Presented

On 26 May, the final workshop of the project “Strengthening Community Resilience and Disaster Preparedness for Displaced Populations in Armenia” was held in Yerevan. The workshop aimed to present the activities implemented under the project, highlight the key results achieved, and discuss opportunities for future cooperation in the fields of community resilience and emergency preparedness.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks, followed by presentations on the project’s key achievements, developed tools, and actions implemented at the community level.

One of the central segments of the workshop was the presentation of the newly developed Disaster Risk Management (DRM) online information HUB, designed to provide a more systematic approach to consolidating, visualizing, and analyzing the diverse range of activities carried out within the DRM sector. The HUB has been developed using a modular approach, allowing for its gradual expansion and enhancement based on emerging needs, while ensuring a more comprehensive, flexible, and sustainable information environment to support data management, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making processes in the sector.

The DRM HAB presentation was followed by interventions from representatives of the project partner HEKS EPER, who provided an overview of the work carried out on simple shelters, the Early Warning System Concept, and interactive hazard modelling maps developed on the basis of community DRM plans. These maps can serve as practical tools for risk assessment, preparedness planning, and emergency response processes.

A representative of the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) also delivered a presentation focusing on border management in the context of preparedness for mass influx situations. The presentation further highlighted project activities aimed at strengthening community capacities, integrating social protection components, and enhancing cooperation in the field of disaster risk management.

The final presentation was delivered by World Vision Armenia (WVA), covering the activities implemented under the joint WVA – DRR National Platform Foundation component. These included the updating of DRM plans in the communities of Ararat, Vardenis, Martuni, Vayk, and Meghri; capacity-building training for DRM Councils; training and simulation exercises conducted in kindergartens across all target communities; community outreach and awareness-raising activities; tabletop exercises; renovation and furnishing of safe spaces; expansion of early warning system coverage and accessibility; development and dissemination of awareness materials; and the creation of a DRR educational game for children.

During the open discussion and question-and-answer session, participants emphasized the importance of introducing such tools and approaches at the community level, highlighting the need for strengthened inter-agency cooperation, regular data updates, and the practical applicability of developed solutions.

In concluding the workshop, participants reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration, emphasizing that strengthening community resilience requires coordinated, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder approaches.

The workshop brought together representatives of government institutions, international and local organizations, beneficiary communities, and independent experts in the field.

The project was funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and co-funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). It was implemented through the joint efforts of World Vision Armenia, the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform Foundation, HEKS/EPER, the Armenian Association of Social Workers, the Armenian Red Cross Society, and partner communities.