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On November 25, the closing press conference of the "AgriVision" project, financed by the European Union, implemented jointly by Eurasia Partnership Foundation and "Constitution" Research Foundation, was held. Since 2020, the project has provided support for the further development and additional income of small and medium enterprises in the Lankaran-Astara Economic Region. The main goals of the project are in line with the development goals of the government of Azerbaijan regarding the expansion of the non-oil sector, as well as the elimination of the income gap between urban and rural areas. In addition, the project was implemented as part of the European Union’s 2015 Annual Action Programme “Integrated Regional Development of Azerbaijan” (IRDA). “This project carries a great significance for the strong partnership between the EU in Azerbaijan, both from the perspective of bilateral assistance and from the perspective of implementing the Economic and Investment Plan. The project supports smallholder farmers to build capacity and diversify income generating sources, adds value to the agricultural and the agro-tourism sectors as an alternative income source for rural population. It is also an excellent example of our cooperation with civil society, the private sector, local government and state agencies in promoting local food and economic opportunities in the hospitality sector”, said Mr. Victor Bojkov, Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union in Azerbaijan. The representatives of local executive authorities participating in the conference also provided information on the existing policy framework for state institutions and measures supporting the development of agro-tourism in Azerbaijan. The representatives of the local institutions of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, who were invited to the event, noted the role of agri/ecotourism in the diversification of the economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and highly appreciated the cooperation involved in the project. Later, Ramin Safarzadeh, the manager of the "AgriVision" project, made a brief presentation about the project and gave information about the goals and objectives of the project, the works were carried out and the results achieved. At the end of the press conference, small and medium-sized farm owners who benefited from cooperation within the project expressed their gratitude for the work done and the support provided, and expressed their wish for such projects to continue. ..

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Within the framework of the "AgriVision" project implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation with the financial support of the European Union, representatives of selected agri/eco-tourism destinations from the Lankaran-Astara economic region participated in the next study tour in Turkey on September 12-16. The main objective of the tour was to equip the participants with ideas and tested approaches to develop their tourism destinations. For the study tour, agri/eco-tourism enterprises were identified that were as compatible as possible with the conditions and opportunities of the selected tourist destinations from the Lankaran-Astara economic region. In general, the participants learned about the history of the development of agri/ eco-tourism enterprises, observed the provision of tourism services on the spot, and had the opportunity to learn directly from their colleagues. On the first day of the study tour, the participants visited Kulindagh Daghevi tourist destination located in Beykoz region. During the visit, they first received information about the history and activities of the enterprise. Later, the Azerbaijani participants, who got acquainted with the accommodation conditions in the area, also informed about the concept of eco-tourism and the events that can be organized in such tourist places. It should be recalled that the main purpose of the visit to this tourist destination was to show the participants an example in the direction of the creation and operation of a tourism enterprise in a mountainous area. On the second day of the study tour, a visit to the Farge Organic Agriculture enterprise located in the Kocaeli region of Izmit was organized. In the first stage of the tour program, the owner of the farm gave the Azerbaijani participants detailed information about his farm, the history and current activities of the farm. Later, the entrepreneur, who together with the guest visited  to the areas designated for cultivation, shared his knowledge about organic agriculture on the spot and showed the products grown on the farm and their production conditions. The participants made their last visit as part of the study tour to the Zeytinlibogaz Permaculture farm located in the Bilecik region. Here, the participants were also welcomed by the owner of the farm and were introduced to the enterprise's activity, history and products produced here. Later, information was given about the healing oils produced by the enterprise and the cosmetic/medical solution prepared from it, and the preparation of this solution was carried out together with the participants. At the end, the participants received the products they prepared together as a gift and voluntarily participated in the preparation of the Turkish cuisine for lunch. Farm owners from the Lankaran-Astara economic district, who left the farm with good memories, noted the importance of adding such master classes to the services they offer. At the end, it should be noted that these study tours are already the second round carried out within the framework of the "AgriVision" project funded by the European Union. The first study tour organized for the representatives of the tourist destinations involved in the project was carried out on July 5-10, 2021 in the Izmir region of Turkey. ..

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Within the framework of the "AgriVision" project funded by the European Union and implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation and "Constitution" Research Foundation, "Open Farm Days" – free-of-charge trips organized to agri-tourism destinations located in Lankaran, Astara, and Lerik regions on July 22, 23 and 24. Transportation, entrance to tourism destinations, and tea break expenses were covered by the project. "Open Farm Days" promoted the concept of agri-tourism and tourism destinations involved in the project among local tourists, strengthen the connection between urban and rural communities, and provide an opportunity for participating farms to test new and/or improved tourism services. Visitors participated in a variety of activities such as farm tours, presentations, familiarization with village life and purchase of fresh products. Each of the trips was carried out in one day on the mentioned dates. The buses intended for the trip left Baku in the morning on July 22, 23, and 24, respectively, and returned in the evening. One participant had one chance to visit only one farm. Visits were organized to tourism destinations such as, "Citrus Valley" in Lankaran region, "Safali Gol" in Lerik region and "Yashil Gol" located in Astara region. Taking into account the large number of interested people, the call for the application was stopped ahead of time, and more than 500 people who first applied were contacted in the following days. The selected persons were given detailed information in advance about the travel schedule and their participation in the trips was ensured. ..

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Within the framework of the "AgriVision" project funded by the European Union and implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation and "Constitution" Research Foundation, "Open Farm Days" – free-of-charge trips will be organized to agri-tourism destinations located in Lankaran, Astara and Lerik regions on July 22, 23 and 24. Transportation, entrance to tourism destinations and tea break expenses are covered by the project. "Open Farm Days" will promote the concept of agri-tourism and tourism destinations involved in the project among local tourists, strengthen the connection between urban and rural communities, and provide an opportunity for participating farms to test new and/or improved tourism services. Visitors will be able to participate in various activities such as farm tours, presentations, tasting of products made from local foods, familiarization with village life, master classes and purchase of fresh products. The trips will be organized for one day on the mentioned dates. The buses intended for the trip will depart from Nizami metro station in Baku at 08:00 on July 22, 23 and 24, respectively, and will return in the evening. One participant has one chance to visit only one farm. Visits will be organized to tourism destinations such as, "Citrus Valley" in Lankaran region, "Safali Gol" in Lerik region and "Yashil Gol" located in Astara region. For more information, you can write to the social media accounts of Eurasian Partnership Foundation and "Yashil Obalar" umbrella brand, or call the office number - 012 492 57 26 every weekday from 10:00 to 18:00. Interested people will be given detailed information about the travel schedule. Those wishing to go to the tourism destinations are required to fill out the application form by July 20: https://bit.ly/3aFeWC6 ..

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Within the framework of the "AgriVision" project funded by the European Union and implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation and "Constitution" Research Foundation, the "The manual on the development of agri/ecotourism in Azerbaijan" was prepared by independent local experts Gunay Rzazade and Shabnam Nuriyeva. The manual will act as a starting point to help farmers start or develop agri/ecotourism activities, and to better understand how this type of tourism can strengthen the relationship between farm and community. While preparing the manual, the agricultural tourism practices implemented in other countries were adapted to local conditions, and the perspectives and exemplary practices of agri tourism in Azerbaijan were noted. In addition, topics that considered important for those interested in agri-tourism, such as Tourism Destination Consortium, marketing plan, financial sources for agri/ecotourism service providers in Azerbaijan, and business plan formulation, have also been added to the manual. The manual also plays an important role in providing the basic knowledge to create a success story for agricultural activities.  It is planned to print 200 copies of the resource and share it with agri-tourism stakeholders. Interested people can contact Eurasia Partnership Foundation You can access the link to get the book in electronic form: https://bit.ly/3bvoBuW ..

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Pupils studying in city schools got acquainted with the agri/eco-tourism destinations of the region. Within the framework of the “AgriVision” project jointly implemented by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation and the “Constitution” Research Foundation with the financial support of the European Union “The School to Farm” program was implemented in agri/eco-tourism destinations located in Lankaran-Astara economic region and participating in the project. On June 16-25, 500 schoolchildren studying in Baku and other city schools visited the tourism enterprises involved in the “AgriVision” project and got acquainted with the agri/eco-tourism concept within the framework of the program. The main goal of the program was to educate students about the processes and resources needed for food production and to inform them about agri / eco-tourism services. In addition, the “School to Farm” program provided an opportunity for selected farms to test new or expanded agri-tourism services. During the program visits, schoolchildren had the opportunity to observe the agri/eco-tourism services offered in selected tourism destinations, and to get acquainted with agriculture and rural life through walking in farms. They also learned how agri/eco-tourism services can be combined with other tourism opportunities, as well as the similarities and differences between these types of tourism. During all these visits, the presentations made by the farm owners in each agri/eco-tourism destination were listened to attentively by the pupils and their questions were answered. In addition, children’s entertainment opportunities within tourism enterprises were used, and various games were organized by the project team to help the pupils have a good time. It should be noted that the “AgriVision” project team will provide educational institutions with the manuals prepared within the project in order to help to integrate such programs into the teaching process and complete the learning experience, and will cooperate with the Ministry of Education to explore the potential of making the “School to Farm” program an annual component of the school curriculum. ..

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The representatives of tourism companies got acquainted with the agri/eco-tourism destinations of the region and their services. Within the framework of the "AgriVision" project implemented by  Eurasia Partnership Foundation and "Constitution" Research Foundation with the financial support of the European Union, business trips for the representatives of tourism companies to the agri/eco-tourism destinations participating in the project and located in Lankaran, Masalli, Lerik and Astara regions were organized. The main purpose of the visit was to allow the participants the way to observe agri/eco-tourism services offered in the selected TDs, get acquainted with the service providers and show how the new and improved agri/eco-tourism services can be combined with other tourism opportunities offered by the southern region. 19 representatives representing 15 different tourism companies based in Baku, participated in the visit which took place on 20-22 May 2022. On the first day of the visit, “Baliqchi Abi” and “Yashil Gol” recreational centers located in the Astara region, Sim village in Astara, also “Bal sufresi” and “Safali Gol” tourism destinations located in Lerik region were presented to the representatives of the tour company. On the second day of the visit, the participants visited tourism destioantions such as “Citrus Valley” in Lankaran region, “Obal” in Arkivan settlement of Masalli region and at the end of the day, they visited “Misgerlik” in Boradigah village of Masalli region. Presentations in each agri/eco-tourism destination were recorded and assessed by participants. It should be noted that the representatives of many tourism companies mentioned that the talks will be held with company executives to include the offered tourism services in the future tour packages. ..

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Within the framework of the “AgriVision” project jointly implemented by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation and “Constitution” Research Foundation with the financial support of the European Union, representatives of 10 tourism destinations from Lankaran-Astara economic region took part in the international tourism exhibition held in Batumi on 13-14 May 2022. The tourism fair was chosen for the purpose of this event due to the fact that the citizens of neighboring countries, including Georgia comprise a large proportion of international tourists visiting Azerbaijan every year. In addition, a number of foreign tourists choose Georgia as their first destination during their trips to the South Caucasus, and many tour operators in this country are selling tour packages which include visits to Azerbaijani tourism destinations. As such, tourists arriving from abroad may be interested in observing and/or participating in activities related to traditional arts and crafts, national cuisine, and authentic rural lifestyle as a whole. Accordingly, a trip to the project destinations was successfully marketed as an authentic experience that is complementary to the urban attractions of Azerbaijan. While choosing the participants for the fair special attention was paid to the representation of different tourism destinations in the Lankaran-Astara economic region. 18 consortia members participated in the trip and had a chance to promote their businesses by showing their services/products in front of a wide audience and connecting with local and international companies and visitors. Eurasia Partnership Foundation assisted the consortia with developing marketing materials in corresponding languages (e.g. brochures, flyers, clips, etc.) to be presented during the fairs. The ultimate goal of this project activity was to have the agri-tourism services offered at the project tourism destinations promoted by the foreign tour operators as part of package tours or as stand-alone products. Many foreign tourists approached the stand of “Yashil Obalar”, the umbrella brand of 10 TDs, and got familiarized with the participating farmers and service providers of the project. ..

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A media tour was organized to agri/eco-tourism destinations located in Lankaran, Masalli, Lerik and Astara regions within the framework of the “AgriVision” project jointly implemented by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation and “Constitution” Research Foundation with the financial support of the European Union. 21 journalists representing 18 different media outlets participated in the visit, which took place on 22-24 April 2022.  During the tour, journalists visited the tourism destinations and consortiums, which are covered by the project and got familiarized with the agri-tourism opportunities created within the project. On the first day of the visit, the journalists visited “Bal Gayasi” in Sim village, “Yashil Gol” in Sanjaradi village, and “Baliqchi Abi” in Kijaba village located in the Astara region, and at the end of the day, they visited “Citrus Valley” in Lankaran region. On the second day of the visit, they visited “Bal Sufresi” located in Piran village of Lerik region, “Safali Gol” in Bilna village of Lerik region,  “Misgarlik” in Boradigah village of Masalli region and “Obal” located in Arkivan village of Masalli region. Over 20 articles and reportages have been prepared by journalist up until now. These publications help to introduce the “agri-tourism” and attract tourists to the southern part of Azerbaijan and by such to increase employment and income of the local population. ..

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The winners of the “Business Plan Competition” - carried out within the framework of the “AgriVision” project which is implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation and “Constitution” Researches Foundation in the Lankaran-Astara economic region with the financial support of the European Union - have been announced. In total, 53 participants, including farmers and service providers, applied for the “Business Plan Competition”, and 30 participants who fully met the conditions of the competition won. Applications were assessed by representatives of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, Eurasia Partnership Foundation, “Constitution” Researches Foundation, and an independent expert on the overall quality of the business plan, idea, project implementation, marketing and financial planning criteria. The purpose of the competition is to contribute to creating new agri/eco-tourism services in selected tourism destinations in the Lankaran-Astara economic region, as well as investing in existing businesses to improve their agri/eco-tourism services, diversifying sources of income and increasing employment opportunities in rural areas. It should be noted that the process of developing and improving the business plan itself has served as an additional tool to increase the capacity of farmers and service providers. The request to align business plans with TD development strategies enhances consistency in development, and the implementation of strategies, also strengthens partnerships in tourism consortia. Finally, the matching fund up to 2,000 euros which will be given to the winners of the competition, provides the funding needed to implement TD strategies. During the event held in Lankaran city with the participation of representatives of regional government agencies and applicants, along with the announcement of winners of the “Business Plan Competition”, they were given detailed information about the terms of the matching fund and its spending. ..