Since 2019, the desire for a sustainable and green future has united the efforts of Viva-MTS and the FPWC. They donated 10 electric fence systems to the communities of Areni, Yeghegis, Vayk, Gladzor, and Yeghegnadzor. In subsequent years, the partner organizations expanded their support by including Ararat Region in the program. By 2023, they had provided 30 electric fences. Thanks to the latest batch donated, 20 more farmers can now benefit from these electric fences. As part of the partner organizations’ joint project, the number of electric fences using green technologies has reached 50 since 2019. The total fenced area covered by them is 475,000 square meters.
“Today, with the support of Viva-MTS, the FPWC has taken another important step in addressing the human-wildlife conflict – an issue we have been focused on for years. Our primary goal is to find sustainable solutions that are rooted in local knowledge and cause no harm to nature or the animal world. It is crucial that people work and live safely in their settlements, also appreciate the rich natural environment that surrounds them and understand its importance while avoiding any harm to it. The recent appearance of bears in these communities is not a coincidence, but rather a consequence of human activity: shrinking territories of animals and their food sources, as well as impacts of climate change.
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We will continue to conduct extensive research on these effects, as this work will undoubtedly be invaluable in finding lasting solutions to the human-wildlife conflict,” Ruben Khachatryan, Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets, said.
Electric fences operate using high voltage but low amperage. The animals are not physically harmed, but they experience discomfort, deterring them from approaching the fenced areas.