About 12,000 trees will be planted, in Gnishik settlement of Vayots Dzor region, by the end of the year. The work has already begun. The community officials and residents attending the tree planting are excited. They expect the same desired results as last year’s tree planting in the same area, which was so successful. In Y2018 alone, about 5,000 seedlings were planted with an 85% survival rate. The executors of the pilot project also have bases for optimism. The seedlings to be planted are grown in greenhouses from tree seeds gathered from the surrounding area. Upon planting these seedlings, they can easily adapt and do not need exceptional care.

The tree planting was realized by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), in the frames of “Forest Landscape Restoration. An experimental platform within the framework of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge” project. The project was realized by the support of VivaCell-MTS.

From the biodiversity point of view, tree planting and conservation are a necessity in Gnishik. They don’t only solve environmental issues but also support the community development. The program has yet another important component: the active participation of the residents in the work being carried out. According to community and administrative area leaders, this is a sign of caring for the environment and a guarantee for the future custody of the trees.

The final result of the tree planting, in a few years from now, will be having “edible forests, “solving yet another environmental issue. “The project aims to get the reforestation help in the human-wildlife conflict resolution and to provide sufficient food for wildlife, in the forested areas. Another 12,000 trees will be added this year to the 5,000 ones planted last year,” said FPWC founder Ruben Khachatryan.

To guarantee the safeguarding of the newly planted seedlings, portable “Electric fences” are placed around the planted areas, which are safe for people and animals. This technology of tree planting has been praised and considered as a success by the US Forest Service and Anthony Davis the Dean of the Oregon College of Forestry.

With the efforts of VivaCell-MTS and FPWC, an important and serious environmental process has been realized, for over 15 years in various regions of Armenia.

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 VivaCell-MTS

VivaCell-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 VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. VivaCell-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 100 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Ukraine, 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