Month: June 2026

Apicius Armenia is an innovative center for hospitality and culinary education, opened in September 2025 in Dilijan, Armenia.

The project is being realized through the collaboration between the Green Rock Foundation and the Apicius International School of Hospitality, aiming to bring European-standard education in the hospitality sector to Armenia.

The project’s primary goal is to provide high-quality hospitality education at the regional level, based on hands-on learning.

From the first day, students worked on real-world industry challenges, gaining practical knowledge and skills necessary for a successful international career.

For more information: apicius.am

Problem Statement

Dilijan continues to face challenges related to a growing population of stray dogs. Many dogs are unsterilized and unvaccinated, which results in uncontrolled population growth, increased risk of disease, and concerns among residents about safety. Community perceptions are further shaped by misinformation and long-standing myths about sterilization, feeding practices, and dog behavior. At the same time, Dilijan lacks a systematic approach to humane dog management and public education. Despite these challenges, the town has strong potential to become a model for sustainable and humane stray-dog management, thanks to an engaged community, and existing awareness campaigns launched by GRF.

Goal of the Project

To establish a humane, effective, and sustainable model for managing Dilijan’s stray-dog population through sterilization, vaccination, community education, and long-term monitoring, thereby ensuring healthier dogs, a safer environment, and improved coexistence between people and animals.

1. By December 2026, significantly reduce the number of unsterilized street dogs in Dilijan through a continuous sterilization program implemented with veterinary partners.
2. By the end of 2026, ensure a broad vaccination coverage of stray dogs, decreasing risks of infectious diseases affecting animals and the public.
3. Throughout 2026, produce and disseminate a series of educational materials that address myths about dogs, promote safe behavior, encourage responsible ownership, and highlight humane dog-care practices.
4. By mid-2026, develop a small yet functional network of volunteers, responsible owners, and foster families actively supporting the project.
5. Throughout the year, maintain an updated record of sterilized and vaccinated dogs to support an evidence-based, traceable management system.

Project Description

The DiliDog City project will operate through three integrated components.

The first focuses on veterinary interventions, including sterilization, vaccination, deworming, and identification of street dogs. These activities will be carried out in cooperation with trained veterinarians and supported by a clear monitoring system to track each dog’s status.

The second component is a public education campaign designed to address widespread misconceptions and provide practical knowledge. Through videos, posts, interviews, and expert commentary, the campaign will explain why sterilization is humane and necessary, how to interact safely with street dogs, what responsible ownership means, and how fostering and adoption can support a healthier dog community.

The third component emphasizes community engagement. Residents, business owners, and volunteers will be invited to participate in awareness actions, fostering programs, and reporting mechanisms. This approach strengthens local ownership and encourages the community to become an active partner in animal-welfare initiatives.

Expected Results

By the end of 2026, Dilijan will have a more stable and healthier dog population, with a reduction in uncontrolled breeding and disease risks. Residents will have improved knowledge and confidence regarding street-dog behavior and humane treatment, leading to a shift in community attitudes. A core group of trained volunteers and supporters will form the basis for long-term sustainability. The town will benefit from a cleaner, safer, and more balanced environment, while GRF positions Dilijan as a leading model for ethical stray-dog management in Armenia.

Sustainability

The project creates a replicable and long-term model. The educational content remains available online for ongoing public learning, while sterilization and vaccination reduce the need for future large-scale interventions. The volunteer and community network established through the project forms a foundation for future growth, and the structured monitoring system ensures continuity and transparency.

For more information: greenrock.foundation

The 100 Women of Dilijan project aims to identify, document, and showcase the stories, experiences, and contributions of the women of Dilijan to the development of their community.

The project brings together women of different ages, professions, and backgrounds, highlighting their roles in the cultural, educational, social, and economic life of the town. Each story reflects not only an individual journey but also the identity, values, and vision for the future of Dilijan.

The main goal of the project is to increase the visibility of women, encourage mutual support, and create a platform that preserves and shares the living stories of the community. It seeks to strengthen intergenerational connections, foster a sense of belonging, and recognize the important role women play in shaping community life.

The project also addresses the limited representation of women’s achievements and experiences by creating a new format for preserving cultural memory and community heritage. Beyond documenting the present, it creates a valuable archive for future generations.

As part of the initiative, three photo exhibitions will be organized in stages, each featuring groups of 25 participants. The final and largest exhibition will bring together all 100 women, creating a collective portrait of the achievements, stories, and strength of the women of Dilijan.

The 100 Women of Dilijan project reflects the core values of Green Rock Foundation: community development, inclusiveness, preservation of cultural heritage, women’s empowerment, and celebrating the unique identity of Dilijan through human stories.

For more information: greenrock.foundation