PHOTO: The Knowledge Gained in Japan is Used to Strengthen the Earthquake Resistance of Buildings in Armenia

We received wonderful news from Mr. HAYRAPETYAN Vardan (aka “Vard-san”), an Armenian alumnus of the JFY 2025 “Strengthening Seismic Disaster Risk Reduction Countermeasures for Critical Buildings” program. After returning to his country, Vard-san – who is a head of Department for Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Specially Important and Publicly Important Objects, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia – applied for the Mini-Grant Program for alumni of JICA programs, administered by the JICA Georgia Office, which oversees JICA projects in Armenia. Out of 18 applications, only 3 projects were selected. We are delighted to share that his project was among those chosen, leading to the successful implementation of seminars aimed at strengthening Armenia’s seismic capacity.

The seminars, which were conducted in December and January, covered rapid post-earthquake inspection and damage classification of buildings, introduced Japanese methodologies for seismic evaluation and retrofitting of reinforced concrete buildings, facilitated discussions with engineers and government officials, and shared practical tools and approaches adapted from Japanese experience. Approximately 150 experts attended, and the event received highly positive feedback, including proposals for additional technical meetings and further collaboration.

He also presented the result of his activities and project at the Annual General Meeting of the JICA Alumni Association in Armenia in February.

In addition, the lectures he delivered at the Ministry of Internal Affairs were published on the ministry’s official website, contributing to the wider dissemination of Japanese knowledge.

Vard-san commented, “I would like to emphasize that these achievements are directly connected to the knowledge and inspiration gained during the training program in Japan. I truly appreciate your support and guidance.

I look forward to continuing our professional cooperation and strengthening collaboration between Armenia and Japan in the field of seismic risk reduction.”

We wish Vard-san continued success in all his future endeavors!

the material is taken from Tsukuba International Center, JICA