Environmental policy and administrative management

The project aims on improving flow of agro- and forest- ecosystem services through introducing sustainable pastures management systems/practices and improving the livestock in Gargar and Gyulakarak communities of Lori Marz. Community land plots comprise of 654 ha (second-class arable land), 119 ha hayland (fourth-class land), and 218 ha pastures. The majority of population of this region is engaged in animal husbandry which is one of the main sources of income. There are 472 registered livestock and 180 small cattle in Gargar community. Community pasturages are almost not used; cattle are grazed in the green areas of the community and in the nearby forest. Incorrect use of the communities pastures results in decrease of the plant variety in the pasturelands, sparse vegetation, overgrazing of the cattle. Due to the absence of livestock watering points in pastures, the cattle grazes in the nearby forest, thus destroying the tree saplings. As a result, over 184 ha of pastures of Gargar community are not utilized. The project objective is to improve the functioning of agro- and forest- ecosystems of Gargar and Gyulakarak communities of Lori Marz through introduction of sustainable pasture management plan and improvement of cattle breed qualities. The project plans to implement six complex activities that address inefficient usage of community pasturelands, overgrazing, as well as for conservation of forests vegetation: 1. The application of the sustainable pasture management plan, which will bring to effective management of the pastures and correct use of natural resources. The proper use of community pastures will prevent depletion of pasturelands and ensure stability of agro-ecosystem functioning. 2. Creation of additional livestock fodder bases through planting 41 ha of fodder in idle hayfields. It will be possible to reduce late autumn and early spring grazing pressure by creating additional fodder base which will ensure necessary growth of pastureland vegetation. 3. Construction of four livestock watering points, which will ensure the use of additional 184 ha pastures. 4. Enabling natural growth of the forest by building a 1,200-meter-long fence to prevent livestock access to the 200 ha of forest area. 5. Improvement of livestock breeds through establishment of two artificial insemination centers and training the specialists of artificial insemination. During the project it is planned to inseminate 200 head of cattle which will lead to the improvement of the genetic traits of animals and will ensure 30-50% of milk and weight increase. 6. Local capacity development: improved knowledge of at least 300 farmers through trainings on sustainable pasture management practices; training of two local specialists of artificial insemination of cattle.

Armenia