Viva-MTS: New energy-efficient modern technologies introduced in Kartchaghbyur  

The Kartchaghbyur community in Gegharkunik region is situated in the highlands. The administrative territory of the community is bordering with Karvatchar. For years the streets of the community have been illuminated by the community means. But due to the budgetary restrictions it was impossible to illuminate the school adjacent streets and the two outskirts of the community.

To resolve the issue, Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) came to support the community. The partnering organizations started implementation of the project a year ago within the “EcoVillage Network” programme. 35 LED lights were installed in the community illuminating around 1300 m of streets: the streets adjacent to the schools and three second-lined streets.

The construction works were done despite all the challenges pandemic and the war brought. The new energy-efficient system was launched as soon as it was introduced. And the partners who postponed the official launch had the opportunity to assess the satisfaction of the residents of Kartchaghbyur and the effectiveness of the program.

Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, the General Engineer of the FPWC Martin Maralchyan, the community head of Kartchaghbyur Taron Kocharyan and many locals from the community took part in the official launch of the newly built energy-saving system.

“This program is an opportunity to solve more than one problem in one go. It helps develop infrastructures in villages, decrease the gap in development between the capital and the rural communities to some degree, and change the attitudes to the nature: conservation gets predominating over unending consumerist approach. And all that is reached through introducing green technologies. This is a program with a long-lasting effect,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

Unlike electrical bulb lights, LED lights are more efficient and durable, last much longer, using up to 80% less power. Due to the introduction of an environmental and energy-saving outdoor lighting system, the financial burden in rural communities is significantly reduced. The saved community funds are directed to programs aimed at revitalizing rural life.

LED lights will illuminate the village streets from 21:00 to 00:00 in summer and from 18:00 to 23:30 in winter. During the holidays, lighting will be provided throughout the night.

Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) are actively pursuing the infrastructure development program in different communities. The works are in progress.

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), VivaCell-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 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), ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 37001 (International anti-bribery management systems standard).

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 June 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