As part of the project activities the NGO will organize a series of trainings intended for coastal residents of Lake Sevan. The organized trainings will focus on increasing knowledge and skills on ecotourism and energy efficiency. In order to ensure sustainability of the trainings the project plans to construct touristic glamps, procure bikes to arrange eco tours and organize capacity development events.
As part of the project activities the NGO will organize a series of trainings intended for coastal residents of Lake Sevan. The organized trainings will focus on increasing knowledge and skills on ecotourism and energy efficiency. In order to ensure sustainability of the trainings the project plans to construct touristic glamps, procure bikes to arrange eco tours and organize capacity development events.
Replication of project activities
Given the ecotourism potential of the Armenian villages and its unique competitive advantages, the project can be replicated in other regions as well. To promote the idea the project will share success stories, conduct trainings for stakeholder and provide expert support.
Policy Influence
It is envisaged that the piloted mechanism developed during the project implementation will be included in the management plan of ?Sevan? National Park, which regulates the conservation of Lake Sevan?s ecosystem.
Notable Community Participation
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.
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Policy Impact
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Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The project plans to conduct community visits to identify the potential participants and to present the project. Each visit will be broadcasted by local TV, as well as available online. After having ecotourism packages ready the service will receive trade name and branding, respective webpages will be developed, marketing and PR strategies will be prepared and implemented.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
The project plans to conduct community visits to identify the potential participants and to present the project. Each visit will be broadcasted by local TV, as well as available online. After having ecotourism packages ready the service will receive trade name and branding, respective webpages will be developed, marketing and PR strategies will be prepared and implemented.
Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples
The project?s objective is to contribute to Lake Sevan?s conservation through boosting the ecotourism development, which has a great potential in Gegharkunik as an alternative to traditional farming, fishing and coastal recreational arrangements. The project will create a demonstrative model and will share knowledge and skills to 75 residents of the region. Based on NGO?s previous similar experience, it is estimated that 30% of the trained people will be able to apply their skills and knowledge and support ecotourism development in the region. It is calculated, that hosting of about 300,000 tourists who visit the region annually, will contribute to generation of additional USD 250 monthly income per hosting household and thus, improve local livelihoods.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
The project?s targeted beneficiaries are the youth residing in the coastal communities of Lake Sevan. They will not only take part in ecotourism trainings but will also get prepared as trainers and guides to be engaged in project implementation. As a result, they will obtain a new skills for sustainable source of income and have active participation in community development and environmental activities.
Project sustainability
The sustainability of the project will be ensured by operation of the demo tourist center which will become a social enterprise of the ?Regional Development and Research Center? NGO, as it aims to direct generated profit to scale-up the initiative. In addition, the income generated from the yield from the berry orchard (0.5 ha) owned by the NGO, will ensure sustainability of the center, including maintenance and ongoing operation. Moreover, the operation of the solar system will reduce energy costs and serve as a demo station for replication within Tsovagyugh community members.
Project Results
The project will produce the following results:
1. 50 families improved their livelihoods as a result of ecotourism training and touristic services.
2. 75 youth are trained as guides and can have a stable income.
3. 1501 ha coastal area of Lake Sevan is under improved management.
4. USD 2,000 is saved annually due to operation of PV and solar thermal systems.
5. 7 tons of CO2 emissions reduced
6. 50 tons of solid waste entering Lake Sevan and basin river is reduced
7. 50 farmers and rural SMEs replicated energy efficient solutions in their households.
