ARAGATS VALLEY LAG
ABOUT US
The “Aragats Valley” Local Action Group (LAG) was established in 2022, bringing together eight settlements located in the southern part of Shirak Province. The LAG unites the communities of Artik and Ani, including the villages of Karaberd, Dzitankhov, Sarnaghbyur, Lanjik, Pemzashen, Lernakert, Nahapetavan, and Nor Kyank.
We operate within the framework of the European Union’s LEADER approach, combining the efforts of communities, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations to implement local development programs.
Our vision is to build vibrant, balanced, and sustainably developing rural communities where people are actively involved in decision-making processes and take responsibility for the development of their communities.
Our mission is to support the economic, social, and environmental sustainable development of the Aragats Valley LAG area by utilizing the community’s human potential, natural resources, and cultural foundations.
We contribute to the implementation of development initiatives that strengthen community resilience, create new opportunities, and foster local cooperation.
- Lanjik
- Dzitanqov
- Nahapetavan
- Sarnaghbyur
- Lernakert
- Pemzashen
- Harich
- Karaberd
LEADER / CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) is a local development methodology implemented by the European Union in rural areas. Its aim is to revitalize rural communities by strengthening the capacity of communities and residents to act collectively. This approach leads to the enhancement of social capital, the strengthening of the local economy and resilience, and the improvement of quality of life in the respective communities.
LEADER is implemented by approximately 2,800 Local Action Groups and covers 61% of the EU’s rural areas, bringing together the public, private, and civil society sectors within specific regions.
LEADER was introduced at a time when the traditional top-down approach had failed in Europe to address the challenges faced by the majority of rural communities.
LEADER is a French acronym meaning “Links between actions for the development of the rural economy.” Its purpose was to involve local people in development processes as direct actors rather than beneficiaries, by empowering their capacities.
This methodology is based on seven key features, and its successful implementation depends on the combined application of all seven factors.
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Projects
Our programs bring people together around ideas that aim to transform their environment, empower the community, and create new opportunities.
We believe that change begins with small initiatives—when people unite to build brighter, more caring, and inclusive communities. Our programs are shaped from the bottom up, grounded in the real needs of the community, active participation, and shared responsibility.
Each program is a step toward a community where people don’t just live—but truly thrive.
MEDIA
MEDIA
The “Aragats Valley” Local Action Group (LAG) was established in 2022 and is composed of eight communities located in the southern part of Shirak region.