Strengthening Community Resilience and Promoting Coexistence: Ways to Mitigate Human-Bear Conflict Discussed in Areni

A working meeting was recently held at the Areni Municipality within the framework of the project "Strengthening Community Resilience and Promoting Coexistence through Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Sustainable Resource Use in Areni."

This initiative is implemented by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) with the financial support of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss practical steps with community authorities to reduce damages caused by wildlife and promote safe coexistence between humans and nature.

The meeting was attended by administrative staff and settlement heads of the Areni consolidated community. FPWC specialists provided a detailed presentation on the project's strategic directions:

Causal links of the conflict: The underlying causes of human-bear conflict and the resulting socio-economic challenges for the communities.

Effective mitigation mechanisms: The use of modern technical solutions, such as electric fences, which have proven their effectiveness in protecting crops and livestock.

Current and upcoming activities: A summary of actions already implemented under the project and planning for future steps.

During the discussion, community representatives raised the most problematic issues of concern to residents. As a result of the active dialogue, potential solutions at the local level were outlined, which will contribute to both public safety and the preservation of the region's rich biodiversity.

FPWC reaffirms its commitment to working closely with communities. We believe that only by combining local potential with professional expertise is it possible to achieve sustainable development and harmonious coexistence with nature.

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