Yerevan /Mediamax/. The NKR government and Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation have announced the start of Artsakh Ecovillage Project in Stepanakert on October 10.

The program is aimed at establishment of tourism, eco-agricultural and educational complex in the Askeran region. Within the project, prominent specialists and experts will share the best global practices in eco-construction and agriculture as well as hospitality industry contributing to development of the local specialists’ professional skills. Besides, international experts will be able to learn the traditional methods of developing agriculture. 

The complex will comprise relevant educational centers, necessary equipment for organization of eco-production, tourist infrastructure and model eco-farm.

The program will not only contribute to development of the brand presenting and popularizing the peculiarities of the region in the world but also creating new opportunities for economic development of Artsakh.

The project will be implemented by IDeA Foundation with the support of the NKR authorities.

Congratulating on the launch of the project, co-founder of IDeA Foundation Ruben Vardanyan noted that the program had been discussed for a long time and its volumes and ideas were already defined then.

“We had long discussions both with the Artsakh government and Arstakh people. It’s important that the program not merely be a foreign project when people visit a country, have vacation and leave it: it should be really incorporated into the Artsakh eco-system becoming a general Arstakh project. The project is based on the idea on how to be able to look forward preserving the past and traditions, ensuring development of both economy and education. It’s hard to find the balance. I’m thankful to our Swiss colleagues who realized this critical task”, he said.

In his speech, President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan stressed the importance of the program for the republic and its economy. “The peculiarity of the eco-tourism development is that it is directly or indirectly linked to various fields- preservation of nature and historical-cultural heritage, modernization and expansion of the network of hotels and infrastructures, creation of new workplaces, boosting of local production, enhancing the quality of services, development and deepening of ties with various states, enhancing Artsakh’s recognizability in the world and others. Naturally, the program will also have a positive impact on social and economic development of our country”, he said.

Bako Sahakyan also thanked Ruben Vardanyan stressing that his contribution to this program is a considerable pledge for its successful implementation. 

The program was presented by representatives of Swiss Gutundgut company which is the consultant of the project, - Rafael Enzler and Christian Muller - and head of Tim Flynn Architects Tim Flynn.

As of preliminary estimates, around USD20mln will be invested in the implementation of the project. The works are scheduled to start this year.