Bio-diversity

Amasia is one of unique districts of Shirak region which is surrounded by Alpine meadows. It counts 19 plants registered in the Red Data book of Armenia among which 14 are endemic. This district is considered a cattle-breeding area, which presently lacks an integrated policy on sustainable land use. There are no limitations for using meadows, pastures, arable lands in this district and pasturing is done at the hillsides by active canals and even near the sources of potable water. The Northern communities lack awareness on environmental issues. As a result, over-grazing gradually endangers ecosystems. The project plans to address the livelihood and environmental issues by promoting beekeeping in 14 communities located in the buffer zone of Arpi Lich National Park. Within the project activities a beekeeping support center will be established which will provide hives with 5 bee colonies to 30 socially vulnerable beneficiaries of 14 communities. Every year the number of bee colonies and beneficiary families will increase due to this center. Moreover, the center will ensure honey packing and sale. It is anticipated to promote beekeeping which will directly influence the protection of flora and the reduction of land degradation. The project objective is to promote beekeeping as biodiversity conservation tool and reduce the intensive growth of cattle which is the main cause of land degradation. Besides the project will promote the improvement of agro-ecosystem services of the National Park and adjacent areas (21.179 ha). It is also anticipated to establish the Arpi Lich Beekeepers Support Center which will involve communities, beekeepers, facilitate honey processing and sale, monitoring of genetics and bee sicknesses. The goal of the project is to mitigate the negative impact on biodiversity of the newly established Arpi Lich National Park through promoting beekeeping in communities located in the buffer zone.

Armenia