Within the framework of the “Open Basin” sub-grant project, online interactive courseson “Global and Local Environmental Issues” were held on May 9-10.
On the first day of the training course, 20 young people of Gegharkunikmarz, participating in the project had the opportunity to discuss the environmental issues of their marz and their possible solutions with marzpet Gnel Sanosyan.
The key topic of discussion was Lake Sevan. Marzpet Sanosyan, being a geographer by profession and having work experience in the field of nature protection, illustrated and clearly represented the environmental issues, and at the same time, answered the concerning questions of the participantsthrough interactive discussion. The marzpet represented the main programs, which, if implemented, will contribute to the development of tourism, the solution to socio-economic problems and the sustainable development of the marz.
On the second day of the training course, the participants again discussed the environmental issues of their marz and community in an interactive way. LiannaAsoyan, President of “Blejan” NGO, who has been dealing with environmental issues of Gegharkunikmarz for already twelve years, and Silva Ayvazyan, Coordinator of the Aarhus Center Yerevan, provided knowledge on international environmental conventions ratified by Armenia and on global and local issues. The latter shared their experience opportunities of identifying problems, making them public and finding possible solutions. The role of each person in developing and ameliorating their community and marzwas highlighted.
The crucial issues discussed in detail were as follows;
- Preservation of Lake Sevan,
- Waste management,
- Reduction of mining impact,
- Reducing the impact of the small hydropower plants on river ecosystems,
- Ecological education and upbringing.
The participants represented their vision of a green and smart community, which they firstly imagined to attract the comm
unity residents and secondly the tourists. They described their future plans; infrastructures with energy efficient technologies, growing eco-friendly products in greenhouses, eco-schools, eco-friendly guesthouses, waste recycling for a second usage, etc.
At the end of the project, the participants will be implementing hiking-garbage collection along the shores of Lake Sevan, which implies a campaign of having a clean environment.
It should be noted that the “Open Basin”project is implemented by the efforts of “Blejan” environmental, social and business support NGO within the framework of “EU for Culture. Stronger Communities and Local Initiatives” program. The project is funded by the European Union with the support of the Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association (DVV International), the Media Initiatives Center, the Museum Employees and Friends Association and the Armenian Center for Democratic Education (CIVITAS).