Posted on January, 24 2017

On January 24, Mr. Karen Manvelyan, the Director of WWF-Armenia and Mr. Aram Aghasyan, the Head of the Specially Protected Nature Areas and Dendrological Parks Management Department of the MNP, discussed topics related to the specially protected areas of Armenia, future projects and other environmental issues during the press conference at “Armenpress” press club. 

Karen Manvelyan said: "WWF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia, implements projects on strengthening the existing protected areas of RA and creating the new ones. During the last years, we have created "Lake Arpi" National Park (first transboundary protected area in the region), "Arevik" National Park, "Khustup" sanctuary, etc. At present, in cooperation with the IDeA Foundation, we aim to create "Tatev" National Park (approximately 10 000 ha area), which will ensure free migration of animals by linking with the other protected areas in southern Armenia. In addition, the creation of the national park will contribute to the development of tourism sector in the region. "

Also, Mr. Manvelyan mentioned the problem of poaching in the country, noting that the situation was not as bad as it was 10 years ago. Recently, poaching cases have been significantly reduced, and the evidence is the increased number of animals. For example, the number of bezoar goats was 2000 in 2005, and today we can calculate more than 3500. Number of Armenian mouflons was 200-220, now we have more than 400 individuals. Also, previously we couldn't observe the Caucasian leopard, but now we already have 7 individuals in the country. According to him, the problem of poaching exists in all countries, but it is necessary to take steps to minimize it.

Mr. Aghasian noted that one of the current projects aims to include natural monuments in the touristic trails. Also, it is being discussed the transfer of their management to the local communities, thereby allowing them to solve some socio-economic problems. He also mentioned that already 29 natural monuments have their description passports. In the nearest future, with the support of different international funds, the Ministry expects to have 20 monuments passports more.