Posted on October, 29 2015

FLEG II program started in 2013. In Armenia it is financed by European Union and the  Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) provides additional funds for complementary measures.  The program has a number of activities aimed at establishment and functioning of Ijevan Sanctuary in Tavush Region of Armenia on the basis of three existing forest sanctuaries. They are in the ADC funded component of the project and implemented by WWF-Armenia.
 
The overall initiative is aimed at optimization of existing forest sanctuaries which is very important today for our country. It will considerably strengthen forest protected areas in Armenia for sustainable management of forest natural resources. Also, the Government of Armenia included establishment of Ijevan sanctuary in the Strategy and Action Plan for Specially Protected Nature Areas adopted in September 2014.

At present, the mapping and clarification of Ijevan sanctuary boundaries is in the final stage and the draft map is under discussion with “Hayantar” SNCO. The other planned activities in the frames of FLEG II include development of management plan and preparation of draft legal documents for establishment of the sanctuary and approval of the map and charter, human and technical capacity building. The new sanctuary will incorporate existing valuable areas along with modified areas, which can be subject to restoration.

It is worth mentioning that the sanctuary will also ensure connectivity with Dilijan National Park as it is continuation of similar forest ecosystems.