On September 6 The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS have summed up the results of yet another joint program implemented within the framework of The Alternative Energy Project. An outdoor lighting system, consisting of 51 LED lamps, has been installed in borderland Vahan community of Gegharkunik region. As a result of the implemented project, the whole territory of the community has been provided with a street lighting system.

In the autumn of 2015, during the first phase of the project of provisioning street lighting to Vahan community, 37 LED lamps have been installed in the village, providing lighting along a 1,100 m area of the village.

General Engineer and Project Manager Martin Maralchyan, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, head of Vahan community Gurgen Balyan, and community residents attended the launch of the system.

The environmentally friendly and energy efficient LED lights will reduce outdoor lighting costs up to 80%. Outdoor lighting will be provided from 21:00 to 01:00 in summer, and from 18:30 to 00:00 in winter. On holidays, street lighting will be provided all night long. LED bulbs are efficient and durable, and last much longer than the regular ones.

“Where there is a will, there is a way. We have made a commitment to support the borderland village of Vahan. A few years ago, the community had so many problems, that it was impossible to solve them in a short period. A systematic approach was needed. We chose a model of support based on patience and the readiness to handle the problems one by one. It is with pleasure I state, that in the course of years we have managed to reach our goals: now Vahan community has outdoor lighting, a gas line, a computer classroom, a solar water heating system in the village kindergarten, but most important of all – the community has hope. Hope is what our compatriots need to stay in our land and continue defending the border like a shield,” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian noted.

The use of latest technologies in environmental protection initiatives promotes nature conservation, energy efficiency and community development. In 2014, within the frames of the project, installation of a solar water heating system has been implemented in the kindergarten of Vahan community ensuring up to 60% saving on gas consumption and heating costs.

The “Alternative Energy” project aims to reduce pollution and protect the environment by using alternative energy resources, particularly solar thermal systems and LED street lights. This year the project is being implemented in a number of communities in Tavush, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Lori regions. As Armenia has a good potential for solar energy, investments in alternative and energy-efficient technologies can significantly benefit to the solution of environmental and social issues. The project is a new format of the long-term cooperation between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.