“Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction” (ALTER) Project

The “Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction” (ALTER) project aimed to strengthen public–private partnerships for reducing risks of flooding and pollution that may result from the failure of dams in reservoirs or tailings storage facilities.

Within the project, European Union experience, technologies, and professional expertise were transferred to Armenia, contributing to the development of disaster risk management capacities.

Special emphasis was placed on effective cooperation among local communities, public authorities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

The ALTER project lasted 24 months (2018-2020) and was co-financed by the European Union’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).

The project was implemented in three pilot areas in Armenia:

Akhtala community – based on a scenario involving the failure of the “Nahatak” tailings dam
Sisian community – based on a scenario involving the failure of dams within the Vorotan hydropower cascade
Kapan community – based on a scenario involving the failure of the Geghi reservoir dam

The project was implemented through the joint efforts of five partner organizations:

National Observatory of Athens – Institute of Geodynamics (lead partner)
European University of Cyprus – Center for Risk and Science-Based Decision Making
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences – National Security and Defense Research Center
American University of Armenia – Center for Responsible Mining
Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform (ARNAP) Foundation

Main Work Packages and Results

Awareness Raising and Information Dissemination

A wide range of communication and awareness-raising activities were implemented under the project, coordinated by the Center for Responsible Mining of the American University of Armenia. These activities aimed to maximize the visibility of project results and actively engage stakeholders.

Key outputs included:

Development of a project communication plan
Creation of the project website, logo, and branding materials
Production and dissemination of information materials, press releases, articles, and social media content
Organization of training courses and a summer school for early-career professionals and civil protection staff
Preparation of a multilingual final report summarizing project achievements and lessons learned

Best Practice Analysis and Adaptation for Resilience

Experts from European University Cyprus analyzed international best practices related to dam and tailings safety in seismic risk contexts, focusing on pilot areas in Armenia.

Key outputs included:

Development of a questionnaire for collecting and analyzing best practices
Preparation of a methodology for adapting and applying best practices
Compilation and presentation of detailed international case studies

Strengthening Community Resilience

The Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform (ARNAP) implemented training sessions, seminars, and community-level field exercises aimed at strengthening cooperation between communities and the private sector, as well as improving disaster risk management capacities.

Key results included:

Signing of public–private partnership agreements
Development of a set of community resilience planning documents (including DRR plans)
Delivery of training sessions with representatives from three partner communities
Implementation of one field exercise in each pilot community (3 exercises in total), based on realistic scenarios
Expansion of the early warning system coverage in Sisian community
Installation of seismic sensors on the Geghi reservoir dam and equipment of the monitoring station with data logging systems (computer), supported financially by the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine.

During implementation, the RA Ministry of Emergency Situation , through the Rescue Service, actively supported the ARNAP Foundation.

Development of Risk Management Methods and Tools

The National Security and Defense Research Center of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences implemented activities focused on transferring methods, tools, and skills for disaster risk management and preparedness.

These solutions were adapted to Armenia’s specific needs and conditions.

Key outputs included:

Installation of sensor systems for dam stability monitoring and integration into early warning systems
Development of a Web GIS platform to support decision-making for non-technical users
Selection and configuration of flood evolution forecasting software
Development of web-based tools to support evacuation operations and post-disaster logistics and supply management

More information

More information about the project is available on the official project website: ALTER PROJECT