Armenia Peace Initiative (API) has launched a new phase of its civil security program in the Gegharkunik border region. After over a year of training in Tavush – where more than 600 civilians received training and individual first aid kits – this expansion represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to strengthen emergency response capabilities and save lives in border communities. Over thirty villages across Gegharkunik have been selected for first aid training sessions, delivered in partnership with the State Academy of Crisis Management of the Republic of Armenia.
This new phase kicked off with an official visit to the border village of Kutakan on September 8, attended by Mr. Olivier Decottignies, French Ambassador to Armenia, Mr. Karen Sargsyan, Governor of Gegharkunik, and program officials.
“ Together with our Armenian partners, we place strong emphasis on rural and border regions in our cooperation efforts – Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador of France to Armenia.
Governor Karen Sargsyan highlighted the importance of the project for local communities:
“This program is very important and most welcome for us. In thirty communities of Vardenis, a similar program has been implemented, and residents will benefit from training and resources that will enable them to administer first aid in emergency situations.”
The program in Gegharkunik is supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, through the Fonds Équipe France Rapide, as well as the Hovnanian Foundation, the Armenian Fund of France and L’Œuvre d’Orient. These grants will enable the Armenia Peace Initiative to strengthen and expand its activities throughout 2025, including in the border areas of Syunik, the final stage of the project.
“After Tavush, we launched a new stage in Gegharkunik in September, with thirty-three selected villages in the Vardenis area. The final phase of our project will focus on Syunik,” – Patrick Aprile, Head of the Civil Protection Program, Armenia Peace Initiative.
Launched in 2023, Armenia Peace Initiative’s first aid program* aims to train civilians living within zero to ten kilometers from the border. The sessions are based on the international MARCH protocol, used by emergency and rescue forces to manage life-threatening situations. Since its inception, over 700 people have already been trained and equipped with individual first aid kits.
Participants say the training has made a real difference, not only building their skills but also giving them confidence to handle emergencies. In villages often far from medical centers, this training is about more than just technical skills – it’s building collective resilience, enabling residents to protect their families and neighbors when emergencies strike.
By continuing its work in the Tavush, Gegharkunik, and soon Syunik regions, Armenia Peace Initiative reaffirms its long-term commitment to the populations living on the frontlines. Through knowledge sharing, community equipment, and collaboration with French partners, the association contributes to building a more resilient and united Armenia – one capable of meeting contemporary humanitarian and security challenges.
* Action funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Texena Group, the Fondation de France, the Hovnanian Foundation, the Chêne France Association, the Aznavour Foundation, the Armenian Fund of France, the L’Œuvre d’Orient and supported by our private donors.