Safe Corridors for Animal Movement Created, WWF Reports

On December 19, 2023, the regional program "Support for the Creation of Ecological Corridors" implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) summarized its results. The program, funded by the German government through KfW Development Bank, has spanned 5 years. Its goal was to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use without reducing the income of the local rural population.

The program was carried out in 26 communities across 3 regions (Ararat, Syunik, Vayots Dzor). With the small grants provided, various socio-economic issues were addressed in these communities, including road improvements, water line installations, and provision of outdoor lighting.

To implement sustainable land use practices, long-term environmental agreements lasting 7-10 years have been signed with 5 communities in the Ararat, Syunik, and Vayots Dzor regions to carry out environmental measures in 10 rural settlements.

As a result of the program, safe corridors for animal movement have been created, leading to a significant increase in the populations of leopards, bezoar goats, and brown bears.

The environmental agreements enable the execution of conservation activities while simultaneously supporting communities in implementing socio-economic development initiatives. By utilizing these funds, communities are also able to participate in state subsidy programs and attract additional resources from other sources.

Co-financed by the eco-corridor promotion program were initiatives such as the provision of agricultural machinery, construction, and passenger transport vehicles in Areni and Sisian, solar water heaters for each household in Artavan, irrigation systems for high-value fruit cultivation in Zangakatun, and construction of pasture areas and shepherd's huts in Horsa.