"Ecotourism as an alternative employment opportunity for the sake of Sevan"

Project Details & Results

Project Description

Lake Sevan has been historically the source of income for the people of Gegharkunik region. Having no alternative way for sustaining their living, people used to rely on water and fish resources of the lake in an uncontrolled and ineffective way, which consequently had a disastrous impact for the region coupled with global warming. As a result, the strategic potable water reservoir and significant ecosystem is threatened. The ecological poor condition of the lake also increases poverty rate in the coastal communities, which become more heavily reliant on the lake resources.

Aiming to address the issue, the project proposes to introduce a new and responsible culture or behavior targeting Gegharkunik region’s population. Particularly, the project design implies the active involvement of Tsovagyugh village residents in ecotourism and energy efficient practices through establishment of an innovative demo training center. The training center will boost knowledge sharing and dissemination among villagers through numerous theoretical and practical seminars on ecotourism and energy efficiency.

As a result of the project implementation, the participants will have adequate knowledge and skill to improve their livelihoods through alternative income generating opportunities.

Project Results

The project will produce the following results:

• 50 family improved their livelihoods as a result of ecotourism training and touristic services.
• 75 youth are trained as guides and can have a stable income.
• 1501 ha coastal area of Lake Sevan is under improved management.
• USD 2,000 is saved annually due to operation of PV and solar thermal systems.
• 7 tons of CO2 emissions reduced
• 50 tons of solid waste entering Lake Sevan and basin river is reduced
• 50 farmers and rural SMEs replicated energy efficient solutions in their households.