Viva-MTS. The borderland village Voskepar streets are fully illuminated

The modernization of communal infrastructures is in progress: Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) implemented two outdoor lighting projects in the Voskepar community in Tavush regions. The borderland village has been almost completely illuminated.

The first stage of the project was implemented in 2019: 40 LED lights were installed in the village illuminating 1500 m of the streets. Due to the pandemic the initially planned schedule was changed a bit, but the construction works did not stop. In 2020 the implementation of the project was revived. With the joint efforts of partnering organizations additional 31 LED lights were installed in the village illuminating 1300 m of the streets. The pursuit of the end result required the partners’ willpower and perseverance. The implementation of the project did not stop even during the 44-day war. The Noyemberyan administration had its investment in the project with almost 20%.

During the opening ceremony of the new energy-efficient LED lighting system were present the General Manager of the Viva-MTS Ralph Yirikian, the director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) Ruben Khachatryan, the leader of Noyemberyan community Karen Abazyan, the administrative director of Voskepar village Serob Mukhsudyan, the Coordinator of the “Eco Villages Network” Martin Maralchyan and many villagers.

“Starting the program years ago we had a clear understanding the infrastructure development in villages will take time and effort. Many settlements nearly lacked any illumination system. We have started from scratch in many villages. We opted for implementing the program on a stage-by-stage basis. The social responsibility initiatives had to be implemented in a way as to help as many people as possible to benefit from them. The efforts to be helpful to the borderland villages were particularly obliging, so that we could continue the program,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) are guided by strong principles. Particular priority for partners is to enlighten borderland areas and promote the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.

In Voskepar, locals have already assessed the positive impact of the "Eco Village Network" program. Environment friendly and energy efficient LED lights consume 80% less electricity and last about 50 times longer.

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), VivaCell-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 the 1st of 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 June 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.