An open-air event and field trip in the Gegharkunik region
On May 20, 2021, the “Responsible for Sevan” open-air event and field trip took place in the Gegharkunik region in the framework of GIZ environmental programs — EU4Sevan co-financed by the European Union and BMZ and “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 response project (ECOserve) implemented jointly by RA Ministry of Environment and GIZ.
The event was attended by SiljaKasmann, the Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section,EU Delegation to Armenia and other representatives from EU, Anna Mazmanyan, the Deputy Minister of Environment, VacheTerteryan, the Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures, representatives of Gegharkunik Regional Administration, as well as other officials, representatives of diplomatic services, community residents and stakeholders.
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At first, the guests arrived at the Artsvanist river and were acquainted with the activities implemented in the framework of the “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 Responseproject and participated with the community members in ongoing cleaning work. The participants then headed to the Vardenik community, where they had the opportunity to be acquainted with the stakeholders of the ““Cultivation of new varieties of cabbage in Gegharkunik region” sub-project under the EU4Sevan project.
On May 3-11, 2021, 135,990 willow seedlings were planted in the riparian zones of Masrik and Karchaghbyur rivers in the administrative districts of Mets Masrik, Akhpradzor and Vardenis communities in the frameworks of the “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 response project. 63 residents from the mentioned communities were engaged in planting activities. In May, about 600,000 willow seedlings will be planted in the riparian zones of a number of rivers flowing into Lake Sevan. Cleaning activities will also be organized in these riparian zones. About 500 residents from the Gegharkunik region will participate in summer and spring activities. The “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 response project will provide temporary employment and income to those people who are most affected by the social and economic consequences of the pandemic, promoting the restoration of ecosystems of the rivers flowing into Lake Sevan.
The main mission of the“Cultivation of new varieties of cabbage in Gegharkunik region” sub-project under EU4Sevan project is to replace the traditional crops with new non-traditional ones (broccoli, Brussels sprout, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage) and other new cabbage varieties in the Gegharkunik region. The project aims to provide seedlings to the socially vulnerable families of individual farmers in the community. The seedlings are distributed free of charge, along with relevant training on proper farming methods, ecologically clean crops, the use of organic substances and fertilizers, and the preservation of water resources. The goal of this initiative is to promote optimized farming practices while improving the farmers’ livelihood.
EU4Sevan
