WWF - About WWF-Armenia

June 5th, ‘World Environment Day’ celebrated in Armenia

2009-06-08

WWF-Armenia marked ‘World Environment Day,’ which is celebrated by the United Nations Environmental Programme on 5 June every year since 1972. The theme for the 2009 World Environment Day was “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change.” This year’s theme reflects the urgency for countries to agree on a new deal on climate change at the climate convention meeting to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009.

On that day WWF-Armenia made a presentation of a film on poaching and organized one week photo exhibition on nature of Armenia at “Moscow” Cinema-Theatre in Yerevan. The film presentation was followed by the award ceremony of the children from the schools of the South of Armenia, particularly from the communities adjacent to leopard habitats. Contest on “Leopard in the eyes of schoolchildren” was held and the best handworks were selected in the nominations of “Leopard friend” and “Leopard guardian” in the corresponding rankings: gold, silver and bronze.

The event was attended by the representatives of the relevant Ministries, state bodies, international organizations, local environmental NGOs, private sector, donors, and ordinary citizens. The day was wrapped up by the official signing ceremony between WWF-Armenia and “Hayantar” (Armenian State Forest Agency) state non-commercial organization and “Armenia Tree Project” (ATP) Foundation on starting the joint forestation works being implemented in the frames of project “Mitigating Impacts of Climate Change through the Restoration of Forest Landscapes in the Southern Caucasus.”

For further information:
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12 , 54 61 56 (ext. 16)
Email: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Armenia's own input in "Earth Hour 2009" - global action against climate change

2009-03-31

Millions of people around the globe united for one hour and switched off their lights to show that they care about our living planet. Citizens, businesses and public authorities in almost 4000 cities and towns in 88 countries across 25 time zones turned off their lights for one hour at 8.30pm on 28 March in support for decisive action on climate change.

“Earth Hour” is a global WWF climate change initiative. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights to show their support for action on climate change. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated.

Along with the great metropolises of the world, Earth Hour 2009 also saw the lights go out on some of the most recognized landmarks on the planet, including Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Merlion in Singapore, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney Opera House, CN Tower in Toronto, Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Federation Tower in Moscow and the world’s tallest constructed building Taipei 101.

WWF-Armenia together with the Ministry of Nature Protection, RA supported this initiative first time ever in our country and called on the Armenian public, business and ordinary citizens to participate in “Earth Hour 2009” global initiative by turning power down locally. Yerevan Municipality also joined and supported this initiative. For one hour the street lights went out at some central streets as well as in the suburbs of Yerevan.

The enthusiasm for turning lights out extended to some representatives of the local business sector in Armenia. Among them are WWF-Armenia partners. Armenia Marriott Hotel participated in the action by switching off the lights at the hotel for one hour. HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc switched off the lights at all its local branches and offices in support to this huge, global and symbolic action.

The media partnership with “Lyunse” youth program of Armenian Public Radio ensured extensive coverage of this global event locally and involved people in casting their “vote for earth” in Armenia.

For more information on the results of “Earth Hour 2009” worldwide click here

For further information:
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12 , 54 61 56 (ext. 16)
Email: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Towards Effective Protected Area Systems

2008-11-26

The brochure is an action guide to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity Programme of Work on Protected Areas. The guide was published in the frames of “Protected Areas Programme 2012 - Caucasus Ecoregion” project with the financial support of MAVA Foundation Pour La Nature.

Map of Specially Protected Nature Areas of Armenia

2008-11-25

The map of specially protected nature areas of Armenia was published in the frames of “Protected Areas Programme 2012 - Caucasus Ecoregion” project with the financial support of MAVA Foundation Pour La Nature. The map includes 3 existing state reserves, 2 national parks, 25 state sanctuaries and 7 planned protected areas with their photos and background information.

In harmony with nature

2008-11-21

This video was broadcast on two popular TV channels of Armenia for 160 times during the month of campaign on “Reserves and National Parks of Armenia” held at Armenia Marriot Hotel this year.

It aims to promote wider outreach and public awareness on importance of specially protected nature areas in Armenia.

The reserves and national parks are established to contribute to nature protection, biological diversity conservation and its natural reproduction, careful and sustainable use of bioresources, which are among major prerequisites for development of Armenia. They help protect species, landscapes and water recourses, support livelihoods for local people, and provide tourism and recreational opportunities.

Threats to protected areas in Armenia are poaching, illegal wildlife trade, illegal logging, mining and infrastructure development.

Causes of the threats are poor governance, inadequate policies and laws, lack of alternative livelihoods, lack of financial resources, low public awareness.

Solutions are sustainable funding of PAs, human - wildlife conflict resolution, alternative livelihoods for local people, participation of local people in establishment and management of PAs, equitable and fair share of costs and benefits from PAs.

For further information:
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12 , 54 61 56 (ext. 16)
Email: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

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WWF and Marriott Hotel Launch “Reserves and National Parks of Armenia” nation wide program

2008-10-03

October 2008, Yerevan – As part of their traditional partnership WWF Armenia and Armenia Marriott Hotel in Yerevan rolled out another “Reserves and National Parks of Armenia” campaign to assist the infrastructure development of specially protected nature areas (SPNAs) of the country.

Guests staying at the Armenia Marriott Hotel in Yerevan during the month of October are invited to donate US$1 for every night of their stay. Proceeds from the campaign would go to strengthen protected areas of Armenia particularly through technical assistance, staff trainings, ecotourism development, endangered species protection, and alternative livelihood for local people.

There are 3 state reserves (Khosrov Forest, Shikahogh, Erebuni), 2 national parks (Sevan, Dilijan) and 25 state sanctuaries in Armenia covering about more than 308,000 ha (excluding the territory of natural monuments) or approximately 10% of the country’s territory.

WWF Armenia provides support for institutional strengthening and technical assistance to protected areas of Armenia. WWF Armenia assists the Government of Armenia to establish new protected areas and develop existing SPNAs by providing consultancy, capacity building, technical assistance and other support to reserves, national parks and, sanctuaries.

The program launched by a joint WWF-Marriott press conference held on October 3rd will be followed by a series of fundraising events in the hotel during the month of October. The lobby of Armenia Marriott Hotel will be the venue for WWF Armenia’s fair and exhibition of pictures on biodiversity and protected areas. Vienna Café in the foyer of the hotel will host two ‘Panda Evenings’ events during which the guests will have a chance to watch films on reserves and national parks of the country.

To make its work more effective and leave a healthy and beautiful Armenia to our children WWF Armenia needs wider support of business, industry, media, donors, and the public. Business, trade and industry have a crucial role to play in protection of Armenian nature heritage. Governed by the principle Good for the Planet, Good for Business WWF Armenia made an official statement to the interested parties of business sector who wish to participate in “Reserves and National Parks of Armenia” nation-wide program.

The goal of this program is to better coordinate the works and direct the efforts specifically spent on improvement of the network of protected areas in Armenia. The projects will be exclusively funded by business sector. WWF Armenia will act as a coordinating body to integrate all the conservation efforts spent on SPNAs under its umbrella. WWF Armenia can offer individual plan of cooperation tailored to the needs of each company and organization with an extensive range of communication and commercial benefits.

For further information:
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12, 54 61 56 (ext. 16)
Email: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Protected Areas of Armenia are 50 years old

2008-09-24

Protected areas (PAs) of Armenia have been existing for half a century. Celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of establishment of two reserves and one national park was accompanied by the official inauguration of the first and the only Visitor Center in “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve in Armenia.

“Shikahogh” and “Khosrov Forest” acquired the status of state reserve by the Council of Ministers Decree in Soviet Armenia back in 1958, whereas “Dilijan” National Park was established in 2002 in present Armenia on the basis of the state reserve with the same name, which in its turn was established in 1958 on the basis of the former Dilijan and Kuybishev Forest Enterprises.

50 years later Armenian Ministry of Nature Protection (MoNP) jointly with WWF Armenia and WWF Norway celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of establishment of “Khosrov Forest” and Shikahogh state reserves and Dilijan national park. The Armenian Prime Minister Mr. Tigran Sargsyan, Minister of Nature Protection, Mr. Aram Harutyunyan and the Norwegian State Secretary Ms. Heidi Sorensen opened the official ceremony that took place in Ani Plaza Hotel in Yerevan. About 200 guests from different ministries, embassies, international organizations and donors took part in the festivities dedicated to 50th anniversary of specially protected nature areas of Armenia.

After official ceremony in Ani Plaza Hotel the Norwegian delegation led by the State Secretary Ms. Heidi Sorensen and accompanied by the Armenian Minister of Nature Protection Mr. Aram Harutyunyan, WWF Armenia, and WWF Norway departed to “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve (www.khosrov.am) where the official inauguration of the Visitor Center was held. The latter was constructed from scratch as part of the project “Biodiversity Protection and Community Development Implementing Ecoregional Conservation Plan Targets in Southern Armenia”. This project is being jointly implemented by WWF Norway and WWF Armenia and will be carried out over three to five years with the financial support of the Norwegian Government. This model of Visitor Center established in Khsorov Reserve is the first in its kind in the country and will be successfully introduced in Shikahogh Reserve in the next phase of the project given that new “Law on Protected Areas”, RA permits a limited tourism activity. As WWF Armenia Director, Mr. Karen Manvelyan mentioned during his speech at the official opening ceremony of the Visitor Center, “This pilot project will promote ecotourism development and help the protected areas to overcome considerable financial shortages and to create alternative livelihood for local communities located near the reserve.”

Official ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Armenian Minister of Nature Protection and the Norwegian State Secretary was followed by reception on behalf the Minister for the Norwegian delegation and other guests in the reserve. The next day the Norwegian delegation and other guests accompanied by WWF Armenia staff had also chance to do some hiking in Khosrov Reserve and see some of the historic-cultural monuments such as Kaqavaberd Fortress, Havuts-Tar Monastery Complex and also the only pagan temple Garni left in Christian Armenia nowadays.

As is the case with many countries on the path of economic development, the great wealth of Armenia’s natural resources often faces pressures from socio-economic or political motivations: illegal forestry, mining, the overexploitation of pastures and fishing, as well as unplanned development in the construction sector all leading to an irreversible impact on local biodiversity and landscape beauty. The WWF approach seeks to balance economic development with environmental promotion. From this perspective the first phase of the project costing 350,000 EUR jointly implemented by WWF Armenia and WWF Norway and targeted at capacity building and infrastructure development in nature reserves plays a crucial role in laying a brick for enlargement of the protected area coverage and strengthening environmental governance of the PA system in Armenia for the sake of rich biodiversity protection in the region.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Lake Arpi National Park – Bringing welfare to people and nature in the northern Shirak Region, Armenia

2008-01-29

The project aim is to conserve the unique biodiversity of the Javakheti-Shirak plateau in Armenia on the border to Georgia and Turkey at the same time as enhancing sustainable rural development in the northern Shirak region through establishment of the Lake Arpi National Park and implementation of a support zone programme, targeting around 15 villages. The project will explore new development opportunities in the region linked to summer and winter tourism, alternative energy production and climate change, but it will also explore how more traditional land use activities can fit into a more dynamic future perspective. The overall budget of the project is 2 mln. 200 ths. euros. The project will also promote the area internationally. To ensure a connection to the local and regional agenda, a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established in the town of Gyumri – capital of the Shirak Region.

The project proposal was developed by WWF-Germany, WWF-Armenia and WWF Caucasus Programme Office. In September 2007, KfW and the Ministry of Nature Protection granted WWF the task of implementing the project in close collaboration with the Ministry. A Regional Advisory Council, with representatives from four Ministries, the Shirak Region, more than 15 communities, and other national and international stakeholders, serves as a reference body for the planning and implementation of the new national park and the support zone developments.

The Javakheti-Shirak plateau in Armenia is part of a large high mountain plateau of volcanic origin with mountain steppes, sub-alpine grasslands as well as lakes and wetlands. Due to its uniqueness in the Caucasus, the plateau was selected as priority conservation area “Javakheti-Shirak” in an “Ecoregional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus” launched at a Ministerial Conference in March 2006 with the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Germany.

The Javakheti-Shirak ecosystem is recognized as a globally important area for birds, reptiles and plants, of which several are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book. Preserving this unique ecosystem calls for a coordinated approach to nature conservation and management across national boundaries, accompanied by sustainable development measures for local people.

WWF has also been asked to implement a similar project on the Georgian side of the Javakheti-Shirak region, which creates interesting opportunities for synergy, learning and co-operation across the border. A Transboundary Cooperation Board, with representatives from both countries, will be asked to facilitate the collaboration, supported by a Transboundary Joint Secretariat for Southern Caucasus with offices in all three countries, including Armenia.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Conference on “Rural Development and the Environment in Armenia”

2007-12-10

For the first time in Geneva (Switzerland), WWF-Armenia hosted an event to discuss environmental issues as they related to rural development in Armenia. Geneva boasts an incredibly active and engaged Armenian diaspora, with many individuals and groups already involved in development projects in Armenia. Taking place on the evening of November 29th at the Graduate Institute of Development Studies, the event began with a welcome speech by Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Republic of Armenia. Mr. Vicken Cheterian, journalist and political scientist, provided a brief overview of the current situation in Armenia where economic development tends to ignore social equity and environmental limits. New cutting-edge development strategies from the area of industrial ecology were proposed by Ms. Anahide Bondolfi, KASA. To provide concrete examples of eco-tourism opportunities, WWF Armenia outlined two key programs for promoting National Parks and "green spots" in Armenia. A presentation on fair trade then followed with final comments from Carine Bachmann, and a moderated discussion.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Communications Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Marlyne Sahakian, Diaspora Outreach Coordinator
based in Geneva (WWF Armenia)
E-mail: marlynemail@mac.com

WWF partners with HSBC in Armenia

2007-10-21

WWF Armenia and HSBC Bank Armenia have embarked on new partnership to improve environmental awareness in the Armenia.

As part of the Green Armenia agreement, the two institutions will work together to improve environmental protection in the country, with a particular focus on pollution issues and public awareness campaigns.

In the southern part of the country, for example, HSBC is supporting the development of a visitors programme and a sustainable tourism project at the Devil’s Bridge rock formation and hot springs, one of the country's most beautiful natural sites.

This past weekend, about 60 employees from WWF and HSBC Bank Armenia worked together to clean-up the area around Devil’s Bridge.

Following the clean up effort, WWF, HSBC and officials from the nearby Tatev community inaugurated the Visitor's Center Programme Development project. As part of the project, two local guides from the community have been selected and will be trained by WWF to take care of the site.

“As tourism continues to be a driving force for the local economy, there is a need to protect our natural heritage and landscapes by raising awareness around environmental issues,” said WWF Armenia’s Director Karen Manvelyan.

“Reducing the amount of litter that tends to accumulate at our natural sites is one of the first steps that must be taken to protect our natural environment.”

As a part of the agreement HSBC Bank Armenia has also co-financed the production of an advertising video — Keeping Armenia Healthy and Beautiful for People and Nature — that is currently being broadcasted on Armenian TV and radio.

WWF and HSBC — one of the world’s largest banking and financial services companies — are global partners under the HSBC Climate Partnership, together with Earthwatch, The Climate Group and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. This is a five-year global partnership which aims at addressing climate change and its impacts on freshwater around the world.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

And the winners are ...

2007-10-04

The winners of WWF Armenia’s first environmental journalist contest were announced today by a jury of distinguished local media experts.

The winners are:

Broadcast Media Category
Anna Vardanyan, H1 Armenian National TV
Gohar Voskanyan, Ankyun +3 TV

Print Category
Edik Baghdasaryan, Hetq Online
Lusine Budaghyan, Aravot
Ruben Grdzelyan Golos Armenii (Voice of Armenia)
Pap Hayrapetyan, Sevan
Galust Nanyan, Republic of Armenia

Working under the theme, Biodiversity Hotspots in Armenia, journalists were asked to focus their pieces on major threats to biodiversity in Armenia, such as illegal logging, poaching, overfishing, unsustainable development and river pollution.

“These threats lead to habitat degradation, the decline of species populations, and the disruption of ecological processes; all contributing to overall biodiversity loss in the country and region,” said WWF Armenia’s Director Karen Manvelyan, who presented the awards.

“This competition, and the stories we received, is very important in raising awareness about some of the country’s more pressing problems.”

Currently managing 20 conservation projects, WWF in Armenia focuses on species protection, as well as on sustainable development issues. Through its Armenia Rural Development Programme in the southern part of the country, WWF is working with local communities to find economic alternatives that can improve livelihoods without destroying natural resources, including sustainable tourism.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Communications Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Protecting Armenia's natural treasures

2007-10-04

Yerevan, Armenia – Building on over 15 years of conservation work in the Caucasus region, a new WWF office in Armenia will work with local partners and communities in protecting the country's unique environment.

“Working to keep Armenia healthy and beautiful is our mission,” said WWF Armenia Director Karen Manvelyan.

“The country, with all its natural treasures, deserves to be protected. It is the responsibility of all Armenians to become aware of the environmental issues in the country in order to better protect them for future generations.”

Although Armenia occupies only 6.7% of the entire Caucasus territory — a region bordered on the north by Russia, on the southwest by Turkey, on the west by the Black Sea, on the east by the Caspian Sea, and on the south by Iran; and includes the Caucasus Mountains — the country offers a wide range of habitats, from mountain to desert landscapes.

It is also home to the endangered Caucasian leopard, Armenian mouflon and Bezoar goat, as well as numerous plant and bird species. According to WWF, only about 20 leopards survive in the Lesser Caucasus and Talish mountains, with only 5–8 in Armenia.

Currently managing 20 conservation projects, the WWF in Armenia focuses on species protection, as well as sustainable development. Through its Armenia Rural Development Programme in the southern part of the country, WWF is working with local communities to find economic alternatives that can improve livelihoods without destroying natural resources, including sustainable tourism.

“As is the case with many countries on the path of economic development, the great wealth of Armenia’s natural resources often faces pressure from such threats as illegal logging, mining and unsustainable development,” said WWF International’s Director for Europe, Georg Schwede, who attended the WWF Armenia launch.

“The WWF approach seeks to balance economic development with environmental promotion, two missions that can very well go hand in hand.”

During the official opening ceremony — attended by government officials, international and non-governmental organizations and business representatives — WWF signed a memorandum of understanding with HSBC Bank Armenia. As part of the Green Armenia WWF-HSBC partnership, the two institutions will work together to improve environmental protection in Armenia.

Also at the ceremony, WWF recognized several corporate partners, such as the Armenia Marriott Hotel and AD Screen Ad Agency, for their efforts to support nature protection in the country. Awards were presented to several Armenian journalists as part of an environmental writing contest.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Volunteers help clean up natural sites in Armenia

2007-09-01

As part of a youth trip to Armenia, a group of students spent three days cleaning up some of the country’s important natural sites.

The 20 volunteers, sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), worked with WWF and local schoolchildren to clean up garbage and debris around the Tatev Monastery Complex and Devil Bridge rock formation and hot springs — one the country’s most frequented outdoor sites.

“This programme offers an introduction to Armenia’s natural environment as well as the opportunity to engage in a clean-up campaign,” said WWF Armenia’s Director, Karen Manvelyan.

“This group effort to collect trash from beautiful natural and cultural sites brings a greater awareness of our impact on nature and the role we can all play to help reduce our ecological footprint in Armenia.”

Due to the increasing number of tourists, the sites and their surrounding areas are littered with more and more garbage.

As part of the clean-up campaign, WWF is working with local authorities to install litter bins and proper picnic areas, as well as more information on the historic and cultural value of the sites.

“All this waste, a result of human and economic activities, is contributing to the demise of Armenia’s exceptional beauty,” Manvelyan added.

“This volunteering initiative was a good opportunity to lay the foundation for developing environmental ethics and culture among young people.”

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Communications Manager
WWF-Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

WWF and Marriott Armenia launch one-month leopard campaign

2007-08-30

Yerevan, Armenia – Protect leopards while you sleep.
As part of a WWF Armenia campaign to protect the endangered Caucasian leopard, guests staying at the Marriott Hotel in Yerevan, Armenia, are being asked to voluntarily donate US$1 for every night they stay.

Proceeds from the campaign will go to supporting anti-poaching units that patrol the leopard’s natural habitat in southern Armenia. This will include the purchase of fuel for patrol cars, binoculars, ranger uniforms, walkie-talkies and other items necessary to combat illegal poaching.

The Caucasus leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) is the most critically endangered species in the Caucasus ecoregion. According to WWF, only about 20 leopards survive in the Lesser Caucasus and Talish mountains. It is believed that there are 5–8 leopards in Armenia.

During the month of September, the hotel will provide space for a WWF donation box at the lobby. More information about the campaign and the leopard will be found in individual hotel rooms.

For further information:
Arthur Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Protected Areas for a Living Planet - Caucasus Ecoregion Project

2007-06-06

Factsheet on WWF’s Protected Areas for a Living Planet Caucasus Ecoregion Project, which aims to help governments from the ecoregion achieve the 2012/2012 targets of the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas - an historic commitment by 190 governments to create a global network of comprehensive, well-managed, and representative terrestrial and marine protected areas.

WWF Armenia hosts drawing competition for orphanages

2007-06-05

As part of World Environment Day (5 June), WWF Armenia, together with the Armenian Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Ministry of Nature Protection RA, hosted a contest and exhibition of drawings made by children from several orphanages in the Yerevan, the Armenian capital.

The overall goal of the contest was to raise awareness around environmental conservation issues in Armenia.

Thirty-seven children from the Armenian Relief Fund, as well as two other orphanages for children with special needs, participated in the contest and exhibition, held in the State Museum of Nature. Children of different ages and with restricted abilities presented about 50 pictures on the topic, humans and nature.

The participants were divided into three age groupings (7-9; 10-13; 14-16), with the "best drawing" nominated by WWF Armenia for each age group.

The pre-selection of the drawings took place in the Zatik Orphanage, Yerevan Orphanage, and the Fund for Armenian Relief. More than 52 drawings were selected by the jury members (WWF Armenia, APRA, and the State Museum of Nature) and displayed at the museum.

The young artists were also taken on a guided tour of the museum and watched a film about Armenian nature.

Armenian Minister of Nature Protection Vardan Ayvazyan, as well as officials from other government ministries, representatives of UNICEF, different environmental NGOs and international organizations, attended the award ceremony of the contest and exhibition.

By involving a younger generation of Armenians, WWF Armenia hopes to reinforce its overall mission, to leave a living planet for our children.

WWF Cau PO and CEPF mutual effort in the Caucasus. First Grantees' Meeting in Juta, Greater Caucasus

2006-09-26

During the first two years of grant-making programme implementation that totals 5.3 million USD for small and large grants was allocated to 75 NGOs. A special environmental camp was set up in the highlands of Juta, Kazbegi Mountains, where scientists and biodiversity conservationists who represent 35 NGOs and institutions from five countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation and Turkey came together to discuss their individual and collective achievements. They also shared their research findings and field experiences.

Informal presentations showcased the activities carried out in each country for the conservation of Caucasian biodiversity. Representatives from different NGOs, and media outlets as well as representatives of WWF and CEPF participated in the event. It was a great opportunity to share experiences and exchange information and results on the projects completed and/or the ones in-progress and to be implemented in the future.

This event allowed participants to establish friendly and professional relationships to strengthen the liaison among the stakeholders in the conservation field, to exchange ideas and propose solutions that will address shared regional conservation challenges.

Participants also had a unique chance to visit some of the most beautiful places of the Greater Caucasus. The group hiked to Chaukhi Gorge, which peaks reach 3100 m above sea level; and the next day enjoyed a drive through Truso Gorge where the river Terek starts its flow before concluding their tour at the Dariali Gorge bordering Russia.

September 11, 2006 was celebrated by the paramount event of a joint effort by journalists and various conservation experts in reaching the pinnacle of Mt. Kazbegi Galcier and planting the WWF and CEPF partnership banner.

For further information:
Lana Ghvinjilia, Communications Officer, WWF Cau PO tel.: + 995 32 330155
lghvinjilia@wwfcaucasus.ge
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Communications Officer, WWF Cau PO-Armenia, tel: + 374 10 260424, akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am

Up-date on status of Caucasus Initiative of the German Government South Caucasus Nature Protection Programme

2006-01-12

On December 2, 2005 the Georgian Government and the Government of Federal Republic of Germany singed the Agreement “On Financial Cooperation for Implementation of the South Caucasus Nature Protection Programme in Georgia [EUR 2.25 million]“. Later on, the Agreement was ratified by the Parliament of Georgia by its resolution #2614 of December 28, 2005.

In accordance with the above Agreement implementation of the South Caucasus Nature Protection Programme in Georgia has to be managed through the German Credit Bank of Reconstruction (KfW). Thus, prerequisite for enactment of the already ratified intergovernmental Agreement is Financial Agreement that has to be concluded between the KfW and the Georgian Ministry of Finances and, in addition, Separate Agreement that has to be concluded between the KfW and Georgian ministries of Finances and Environment. Signature of these Financial and Separate agreements with KfW was supposed 2 years ago, but was delayed for a number of reasons. At this moment, texts of both Financial and Separate draft agreements are being intensively negotiated between the KfW and the Georgian Government.

The “South Caucasus Nature Protection Programme” (known also as “Ecoregional Nature Protection Programme for the Southern Caucasus”) is part of the Caucasus Initiative, launched by the German Federal Ministry of Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This Programme aims at promoting the co-operation between Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan with respect to the development of a coherent strategy to ensure biodiversity conservation in the unique Caucasus Ecoregion.

In cooperation with stakeholders from all three countries a “Vision of an Ecoregional Conservation Plan” was elaborated in preparation of the programme, outlining the long-term objectives and strategies to conserve the rich biodiversity in the region which take into account the anticipated long-term sectoral developments in all three countries. In cooperation with Georgian and Armenian representatives the selection process of priority conservation areas in the Caucasus Ecoregion focused on the Javakheti Plateau (Javakheti/Georgia-Shirak/Armenia transboundary area) as one of the key candidate areas for priority action.

The purpose of the Georgian Programme component (the Project) is the establishment of protected areas in Javakheti (Georgia). In addition to the area based projects in each of the three countries (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) the establishment of a Transboundary Joint Secretariat is intended to support and co-ordinate these area-based projects and to ensure that the individual projects are embedded in a shared vision of biodiversity conservation and spatial development for the Caucasus. This is to contribute to sustain the biodiversity and to prevent conflicts in the Southern Caucasus Region.

The design of the Project is based on the documents “Establishment of Protected Areas in Georgia’s Javakheti Region” dated August 2003 available to KfW and the Georgian Ministry of Environment and on the agreements made between KfW and the Georgian Ministry of Environment during the local Programme appraisal on September 22, 2003.

The following Project activities are intended to be financed by the Federal Republic of Germany:

 To establish a Javakheti National Park bordering the Republics of Armenia and Turkey to the South (approx. 20,000 ha), and five wetland sanctuaries (Khartsaki, Khanchali, Bugdasheni, Madatapa and Sagamo) as well as the National Park’s support zone in accordance with IUCN guidelines and the Georgian legislation. The above five wetland sanctuaries (Lakes Khanchali, Bugdasheni, Madatapa, Sagamo and Kartsakhi) should be integrated in the overall planning of the national park
 To integrate the National Park and 5 wetland sanctuaries into the land use of the project area via a land use planning which covers all local self-governing authorities in the support zone
 To develop selected support zone programmes in order to decrease the pressure on the national park and sanctuaries and to foster the acceptance of the population
 To promote a transboundary cooperation in biodiversity conservation in the Project region

In addition to the area based projects a Transboundary Joint Secretariat will be established and will co-ordinate the area-based projects. The Secretariat will fulfil the following functions:

1. Conceptual, logistical and training support to the area-based projects as well as support for public awareness campaigns and for the transboundary coordination boards,
2. Promotion of the vision of a (ecologically and socio-economically) Sustainable Development of the Southern Caucasus Region,
3. Promotion of the concept of spatial and land-use planning at different levels in support of biodiversity conservation,
4. Provision of an information and dialogue platform for various stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation issues, explore solutions for the long-term financial sustainability of national parks/protected areas.

The Georgian Ministry of Environment is supposed to be the Project Executive Agency, while the direct implementation responsibilities for the Project will be carried out by the independent consultant selected jointly by the KfW and the Project Executive Agency based on internationally accepted competitive bidding procedures.
For further information, please, contact Malkhaz Dzneladze, ENP Coordinator mdzneladze@wwfcaucasus.ge