The nights are lightened at Hamo Sahyan's birthplace

This year also the installation of energy-efficient system in Armenian regions will continue. Viva-MTS and The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) already confirmed the list of settlements where the new lighting systems will be installed. In the meanwhile, the works completed last year are being summarized.

Conditioned with the current situation in the country, the official launch of LED systems was delayed. Currently, it’s being implemented remotely with the help of modern technologies. The first distance call was on Syunik-Yerevan destinations. Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, FPWC project coordinator Martin Maralchyan and the Head of Lori administrative area Davit Arustamyan assessed the system efficiency, as well as discussed further organizational issues.

“We have to work in a way as to minimize the need to meet in person, but that shall not hinder achieving the best results with the program. I am not with you physically, but we will keep in touch using video calls like this until we meet again. Anything temporary can be overcome. I am looking forward to the situation to improve, to be able to travel to the regions again and to boost our activities on a wider scale,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said during the video call.

The Lor settlement of Syunik Marz, rich in historical and architectural monuments, also aspires to become a center of ecotourism. The people at Lor are convinced that Hamo Sahyan's birthplace can be an active tourist destination. Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) did the first step in that direction. The desire to make Lor an active tourist destination can also be significantly enhanced by the possibility of being included in the eco-villages network. The first major steps were taken with the support of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) targeting the development of infrastructures of rural areas. Thanks to the effective partnership, a LED lighting system has been built in Lor, ensuring the environmental efficiency. A part of the central street of the village and some secondary streets are illuminated. The house-museum of the famous poet is included in the lighted area. A street lighting system consisting of 32 LEDs was constructed, and a 1,250 m long street is illuminated.

The remote regions of Armenia continue to be at the focus of the partner organizations. To solve the many existing problems in different settlements, the works are planned to be realized within years. The previous project of Viva-MTS and FPWC was implemented in Lor 4 years ago. The village was provided with a 24-hour water supply, then. A long pipeline has been constructed, a daily regulating reservoir, and a water intake facility have been renovated and fenced.

Environment-friendly and energy-efficient LED lamps, unlike incandescent lamps, consume 80% less electric power, serve longer, and have double efficiency. During the summer months, the streets of Lor will be illuminated from 21:00 to 01:00 and in winter from 18:00 to 00:00. Holiday lighting will be provided throughout the night.

About “Eco villages network” project

Eco villages network includes selected intentional or traditional communities throughout Armenia, that are consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes to regenerate their social, cultural, economic and natural environments. The core idea behind the whole concept of the ecovillages is integrating the four dimensions of sustainability – ecological, economic, cultural and social – through integral, participatory design. The project is a new format of the long-term cooperation between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Viva-MTS and the Global Ecovillages Network (GEN) in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.

About FPWC

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) was founded in Y2002. FPWC is a member organization of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since Y2012. FPWC’s mission is to publicize the unique natural heritage of Armenia and the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental issues and the importance of preserving nature. We aim to reduce human and wildlife conflict and its consequences to reduce the risks of endangered species of flora and fauna. Biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community development and public awareness are the main directions of our activities.

About Viva-MTS

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on 1st July Y2005 and in a short period of time Viva-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. Viva-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market.  The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility) and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System). For more information, visit www.mts.am

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 86.8 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since July Y2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at: www.mtsgsm.com.