PREMIER’S WORKING VISIT TO SHIRAK MARZ

gov.am
March 17 2010
Armenia

On a working visit to Shirak marz, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
called at Berdashen village where "Lake Arpi" national park is being
developed. The Minister of Nature Protection and other key officials
concerned briefed the head of government on the project referred to
as "Creaton of "Lake Arpi" national park in Javakhk (Ashotsk) region
of Armenia."

Then the Prime Minister traveled to Zorakert village community to
attend the third session of the advisory council of Shirak marz.

The establishment of "Lake Arpi" national park is among those 3
projects assigned to the Minister of Nature Protection for close
control. As stated by those in charge, serious efforts have been made
to bring about a tangible effect as early as by this yearend.

The project has two components: investment program and community
development programs. Everything was said to have been made to have
these two components synchronized. Co-financed by the German KfW
bank and the Armenian Government, this project is implemented by the
Armenia branch office of the World Nature Fund.

The head of government made a point of forming a joint-stock company
involving the private sector as a unique business model. It will trade
in the agricultural products purchased from local farmers. The heads of
beneficiary communities thanked the Premier for his thoughtfulness of
the project and outlined their vision of implementation practicalities.

Summarizing the meeting, Tigran Sargsyan expressed satisfaction at
the fact that the project is appreciated not only by the Cabinet,
but also by the heads of concerned communities. He pointed out
that it will gain in efficiency considerably if backed by all the
stakeholders. The Prime Minister hailed the project in the light of
the government’s organic farming development concept.

The head of the executive issued corresponding assignments to
the agencies in charge in terms of providing favorable conditions
for project implementation. In particular, the Minister of Nature
Protection was told to submit to the Prime Minister at week’s notice
his ministry’s opinion the list of alternative business models,
as well as a timetable for implementation. "We are viewing this
project not only as an environmental undertaking, but also as a
community development initiative. We are intent on extending it to
other communities as well," Tigran Sargsyan said in conclusion.

With reference to road building efforts in the Lake Arpi protected
area, the Prime Minister instructed the newly appointed Minister
of Transport and Communication to submit proposals on road building
activities.