HUNTING AND FISHING TOURISM PLANNED TO DEVELOP

ArmenPress
Sept 28 2004

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: Conditions for hunting of moufflons
and wild goats are created in Vayots Dzor which is possible due to
increased reproduction rates, Natural Resources Management Agency head
Artashes Ziroyan told Armenpress. “We should think about providing for
reproduction and sale of international demanded species,” he said,
adding that in case of a desired level of reproduction is secured,
hunting of bears, especially of old males, may also be organized.

According to A. Ziroyan, the initiative aims to create preconditions
for development of hunting tourism in Armenia, supported by an
Italian company. In his words, hunting tourism is becoming a matter
of discussion for the Armenian government.

“There are some animals in Red Book which may be put under limited
hunting in case their reproduction is properly secured. The money
collected from hunting will be re-directed back to their reproduction
and natural protection,” the agency head said, saying that the price
of one moufflon ranges from $4-6,000 in international market.

The ecotourism development project envisages also conditions for funs
of fishery who would like to travel to Armenia.