AMERICAN FUND ON ECOSYSTEM PRESERVATION TO TAKE CARE OF ARMENIA’s KHOSROVIAN AND SHIKAHOGHIAN RESERVES

YEREVAN, JUNE 1. ARMINFO. The American “Critical Ecosystem Partnership
Fund” (CEPF) starts to realize the first investment program in the
Caucasian region countries. The project will be fulfilled in Armenia,
Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey and Iran, the CEPF general
executive director Den Martin informed at a press-conference in
Yerevan, Jun 1.

He noted that 51 species of plants and animals being on the verge
of disappearance numbered in the Caucasian ecoregion, and the grants
allotted within the program’s framework will be directed to preserve
both these species and the ecosystem as a whole. “This region is
very important by its bio-variety. It is one of 25 biologically rich
territories in the world” Martin noted.

He numbered Khosrovian and Shikahoghian reserves among “problematic
territories”. Motor transport will be bought on the grants allotted
by the Fund to provide access for hunters to the difficult regions
not only in Khosrovian reserve but also the territories nearby
Garni village. Besides, grants will be allotted for preservation of
ecolandscapes in some Armenia’s regions rich by rare species of plants,
animals, insects and birds.

Martin also noted that along with the CEPF program director on Caucasus
and Philippines Christopher Holts he will be acquainted with Armenia’s
ecological situation, meet with some governmental and non-governmental
organizations intended to participate in the CEPF projects.

Program’s general budget totals $8.5 mln which should be spent within 5
year. The CEPF has approved 6 projects on Armenia at the cost of about
$500.000 by now. The projects will be fulfilled by the RA NAS Institute
of zoology, “Eco-tourist” organization and other ecological public
organizations. The general management is commissioned to the WWF (World
unexplored wilderness preservation fund) Caucasian Program Office.