Viva-MTS: Electric fences as a solution to human-wildlife issue

Cases of bears invading farms have been regularly reported in the Vayots Dzor region in recent years. Many communities had a major loss of harvest due to the issue. The solution required a balanced approach to prevent the entry of wild animals without deepening the human-nature conflict. For 15 years Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) have been expressing readiness to support regional structures. A program for the introduction of modern systems of electric fences has been implemented by these two organizations.

From now on, in 5 communities of the Vayots Dzor region, the areas previously suffered from human-wildlife conflict will be monitored by modern technologies of electric fences. As part of the “Eco Villages Network” program, Areni, Yeghegis, Zaritap, Gladzor, and Yeghegnadzor enlarged communities received two electric fence systems each. The first fence was installed in Gnishik, a settlement in Areni community.

“I know you perfectly speak the language of nature, and the fruits of your daily labor depend greatly on it. Saving crops without harming wildlife is vital. The electric fences we provided will help your community in that. We all want to live in harmony with the nature. Otherwise we will all suffer the damage – both the nature, and the human beings,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said during the video call.

The electric fences are especially suitable for beekeepers who move beehives regularly during the year, and for farmers who go to distant pastures. The donated systems have many advantages, such as its mobility, one can easily fence an area of 7500 sqm within 10-15 minutes and dismantle it in a short time.

“We are launching the first system in this region because it is the most vulnerable in the country. Each system will allow to fence 0.75 ha area. In the future, we can broaden the project, as the best solution to the human-wildlife conflict is suggested by modern technologies. Over the years, we have implemented many important environmental programs with our partner organization and will continue them in the future,” Ruben Khachatryan, the director of the FPWC, said.

The electric fence works with high voltage, but with low power (amperage). As a result, the animals stay physically safe, but get a sense of discomfort and stay away from the fenced areas. The system consists of a solar panel, a microprocessor, a battery, an electric fence generator, an easy-to-assemble, and dismantle the 300-meter fence.

Eco villages network includes selected intentional or traditional communities throughout Armenia, that are consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes to regenerate their social, cultural, economic and natural environments. The core idea behind the whole concept of the ecovillages is integrating the four dimensions of sustainability – ecological, economic, cultural and social – through integral, participatory design. The project is a new format of the long-term cooperation between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Viva-MTS and the Global Ecovillages Network (GEN) in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) was founded in Y2002. FPWC is a member organization of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since Y2012. FPWC’s mission is to publicize the unique natural heritage of Armenia and the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental issues and the importance of preserving nature. We aim to reduce human and wildlife conflict and its consequences to reduce the risks of endangered species of flora and fauna. Biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community development and public awareness are the main directions of our activities.

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on 1st July 2005 and in a short period of time Viva-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. Viva-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market.  The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility) and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System). For more information visit www.mts.am

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC (“MTS”) is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world’s fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 86.8 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since July Y2000, MTS’ Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at: www.mtsgsm.com