Capacity-building is one of the most important components of the initiative both in the initial phase and during the project implementation. Special training will be delivered for fish nursery operation and maintenance staff. The other capacity-building component is conditioned by the project agro-ecotourism development potential, which implies alternative income-generating opportunities for community members. At least 50 members from Vaghatin community will be trained on biodiversity and biodiversity-friendly livelihood practices.

During project development financial, social and institutional components have been taken into consideration. The economic calculation of the project shows that next year it will be possible to get revenues from fish product sale. The anticipated annual increase of volumes of fish production is the main guarantee of the financial sustainability of the project. For institutional sustainability a commercial community-based organization will be established beyond the project completion (a non-trade community organization or a joint-stock company). The environmental sustainability of the project will be ensured by yearly discharge of 3000-5000 young fish into natural surrounding environment.

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Project activities are in harmony with both international and national environmental policies, as they contribute to the protection and reproduction of endangered Salmo trutta m.fario, sustaining water ecosystem services and raising local awareness level to ensure change of behavior in project and adjacent communities.

The project envisages creating additional financial capacities for community members to ensure project sustainability (sale of local food and souvenirs, B&B). It is planned to establish a commercial community-based organization, which will ensure financial sustainability of the CBO initiative beyond the project completion.

The project will introduce innovative income-generating mechanisms such as agro-ecotourism practices, contributing to improvement of local livelihoods. Besides, the community members will get temporary and permanent jobs during the construction phase and further maintenance of the fish complex.

The project will promote public awareness on global environmental issues through trainings and campaigns with special focus on youth groups.

This initiative is a comprehensive replication of the SGP project on conservation and reproduction of Salmo ischchan Kessler through establishment of a small-scale community fishery successfully implemented in Geghhovit community of Gegharkunik region.