What We Do

The Resilience from the Start project, implemented by UNDP Armenia with funding from the Government of Serbia, is dedicated to addressing the needs of both host communities and refugees in Armenia. The project focuses on empowering women and youth, introducing innovative local service delivery models, and deploying sustainable water and energy solutions. By fostering social cohesion and trust, the initiative supports the smooth integration of refugees into host communities while enhancing resilience and environmental sustainability and resilience.

Objective

The primary objective of the Resilience from the Start project is to build resilience from the outset by fostering inclusive integration of refugees into host communities. Through investments in social cohesion, innovative services, and sustainable resource management, the project aims to empower vulnerable groups, including women and youth, improve access to essential services, and promote long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

Expected Results

• Empowering Women and Youth: The project engages 500 women and youth from host communities and refugee populations in co-designing and implementing public space transformation services. This participatory approach fosters leadership, enhances social cohesion, and strengthens the sense of ownership among participants.
• Innovative Service Delivery: Five municipalities with significant refugee populations have been selected for piloting innovative public space transformation services, including the creation of multifunctional community spaces to address local needs.
• Improved Irrigation Access: Efforts are underway to enhance irrigation systems in two remote host communities, benefiting both local residents and refugees. These interventions include constructing alternative small-scale water storage facilities and introducing energy-efficient technologies for sustainable water resource management.
• Green Energy Solutions: The project will deploy solar energy systems with a total capacity of 180 kW in host communities, including mobile hybrid systems and solar water heaters. These solutions reduce energy costs, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance the living conditions for refugees and host community members.