Green events in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) and Urtsadzor Community Cluster

ArmInfo. In the result of the cooperation of the Foundation for the Preservation Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS,  electric bike charging solar stations were installed on the territory of the second ranger campus of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge and  Urtsadzor Community of Ararat Region in the frames of the Green Mobility project of the Sunchild non- governmental organization. Electric bike station is equipped with solar panels and batteries. The bicycles are charged exclusively with solar power free of any harmful emissions. The project aims to foster eco-tourism.

A solar water heater was launched in “Holani” processing unit of Shaghap village of Ararat Region in frames of the green events. Environment friendly water heating system heats up to 300 L water without any emissions. “Holani” is a social enterprise. Its generated revenue is spend on the cluster`s social and economic development to reduce poverty.

To increase efficiency of work in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian financed the purchase of 2 pickups (by his own financial means) adjusted to and equipped with all the necessary devices for fire extinguishing works. The pickups have relevant field works equipment. They were presented to the CWR and will be used for rapid response to prevent forest fires.

IUCN NL and British World Land Trust also supported the purchase of the pickups.“Everyone’s deeper perception of the importance of environmental protection would help those who live now and the generations ahead to lead healthier life. Green technologies are immensely important not just because they are in the trend these days: people all over the world opt for green lifestyle, because they understand the real threats of living a life without caring about the environment. We have been sharing this approach for more than ten years now with our partner organization and strive to always be guided by that. I am happy to say the planned programs will have a positive impact on creating a clear environment as well as community and eco-tourism development,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

Bicycles can be rent or charged in the electric bike charging solar station. Green Mobility has been implemented by the Sunchild NGO in the frames of UNDP GEF SGP with the support of the FPWC and VivaCell-MTS. The goal of the project is to promote the use of electric bicycles as an alternative means of transportation, free of greenhouse gas emissions.

About CWR

The Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) is a 20,000 hectares territory and the only privately protected area in the South-Caucasus in vicinity of Khosrov Forest State Reserve. The Khosrov reserve as well as adjacent territories is a core area for South-Caucasian biodiversity and rare wildlife species as Armenian Mouflon, Syrian Brown bear, Bezoar goat, Black Eurasian vulture, Bearded vulture, Caucasian Leopard, Caucasian Lynx and Armenian viper. The area of FPWC’s Caucasus Wildlife Refuge also forms a corridor for the mentioned species.

The wildlife is continuously monitored by 4 rangers and trap cameras. While in 2010 wildlife in the area was nearly non-existent – mainly due to illegal hunting activities – trap camera footage now shows regularly huge quantities of Bezoar goats as well as pictures of large predators like wolves, bears, lynxes and even a Caucasian leopard of which only about 8-13 are left in Armenia according to IUCN Red list.

About FPWC

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) was founded in 2002. FPWC is a member organization of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2012. We are working at the crossroads of wildlife conservation, environmental education, and community development, engaging rural populations in the sustainable development of their communities. In all our projects, we advocate for mutual respect between human beings, natural wealth, and cultural heritage, because we believe these are indispensable conditions for positive progress in Armenia.

About VivaCell-MTS

VivaCell-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest 2G/3.75G/4G network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on 1st July 2005 and in a short period of time VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. VivaCell-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market.  The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility) and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System). For more information, visit www.mts.am