A new daily regulation reservoir has been inaugurated in Lori Province. The reservoir, financed by the Government of Serbia, is expected to contribute to the economic development of several communities in the region.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Serbia’s Ambassador to Armenia, Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković; UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, Natia Natsvlishvili; Deputy Governor of Lori Province Arsen Darbinyan; and the head of the Lori Berd community, Arayik Nersisyan.

The new reservoir, built in the Hovnanadzor village of the Lori Berd community, has a capacity of 8,900 cubic meters and a 450-meter-long distribution pipeline. It will serve two consolidated communities—Lori Berd and Alaverdi.

In total, nine rural settlements will directly benefit from this system, which will supply the existing irrigation canal.

Serbia’s Ambassador to Armenia, Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković, noted that Armenia and Serbia have very close ties and cooperation. Since the opening of the Serbian Embassy in Armenia in 2019, significant efforts have been made to further strengthen and deepen these relations.

According to her, this project is also aimed at that goal—strengthening relations between the two countries.

“When the flood occurred in Armenia, it was decided that part of the assistance provided by the Government of Serbia would also be allocated to the implementation of such projects,” she said, referring to the 2024 floods that hit Armenia’s northern Lori and Tavush regions caused by relentless rains.

“From the perspective of preventing future floods, this is extremely important. This is the first time Serbia has provided such assistance. We are talking about €1 million, which has been allocated to various projects in water management, solar panels, and the development of renewable energy. In addition, the programs contribute to the empowerment of women and youth, as well as the strengthening of local communities. It is important that through all this we are strengthening the ties between our countries,” the ambassador said.

UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili added that the main goal of the initiative is to provide benefits to communities through a multifunctional program.

“UNDP has been operating in Armenia for 30 years, and we are pleased to have active cooperation with all regions of the country. Lori Province is one of the important areas where we implement a number of programs. Today we are inaugurating a reservoir in the Lori Berd community, which provides a new source of irrigation water for surrounding settlements. It also contributes to energy efficiency. In Lori Province, we have residential areas that are becoming more energy efficient, and we plan to continue active cooperation with the region,” she said.

Lori Deputy Governor Arsen Darbinyan also emphasized the importance of the project, noting that regulated reservoirs are of great significance. According to him, they contribute to the formation of a microclimate, help reduce flood risks, and ensure stable irrigation.