Armenia's rich biodiversity is one of the most important preconditions for economic development in the country. Wildlife and endemic species of animals are conditioned by the development of agriculture such as crop production, livestock breeding, beekeeping, fish breeding, and some important branches of light and food industry. At the same time, due to overexploitation of natural resources, the level of anthropogenic changes in natural landscapes in Armenia is high. This has resulted in the reduction of areas occupied by wildlife, pollution, loss of habitat for certain species, and changes in the services provided by ecosystems.
The above-mentioned situation can be settled through sustainable eco-tourism development. It is planned to start with nature-based tourism, given its close relationship with fragile ecosystems and sensitive environment. From this perspective, eco-tourism, rural tourism, and nature-based adventure tourism, such as bicycling tourism, Zip-line opportunities, horse-ride tourism are most feasible.
The overall goal of the project is conservation of forest resources and maintaining vital ecosystem services for improved local livelihoods in Tumanyan and Gugark districts of Lori region.
The main objective is reducing forest-dependency of local population through utilization of ecotourism potential and conservation education in Dsegh and adjacent communities.
Within the project activities mapping of environmentally attractive touristic destinations and recourses to attract visitors is planned. The project will also strive to develop eco sensitive and environmentally responsible deposition among the young people residing in the northern marses of Armenia through establishment of eco-clubs for Wildlife and Nature. To diversify economic opportunities touristic infrastructures will be developed in target communities, as well as marketing Dsegh as the most interested place for eco, cultural, adventures historical tourism will be considered. This project will build on a unique TUC Touristic Center established through EU funding, as a social enterprise of the NGO Center, with 20% of its profits being directed to solving Community problems.