Viva-MTS: By the end of this year Goghtanik settlement will be fully illuminated

In Goghtanik, the former reality of wandering in the dark in the evening has partially changed. Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets have finished the first phase of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient LED lights’ installation works. This was accomplished in challenging times, while the country was facing the global pandemic and devastating war. Despite all these challenges, the partners managed to coordinate the working process and accomplish what was planned.

Last year 45 LED lights were installed with 1.7 km long streets illuminated. Due to the “Eco-Villages Network” project the settlement will not only deploy environmentally friendly lighting solutions, but also the new lighting system will result in savings in the community budget allocating the funds to other place-based issues.

Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikyan, the Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets Ruben Khachatryan, the Yeghegis community leader Artur Stepanyan and the administrative head of Goghtanik settlement Hambardzum Samvelyan and others were present at the opening ceremony of the energy-efficient system.

“Generally speaking, programs ensuring long-term results are fundamental. They in a way guarantee development for our compatriots. And when there is confidence, people think of living in their homeland, rather than earning their living abroad. We want our compatriots in remote communities know that they are not alone before the existing problems. The problems voiced in the capital are heard more easily. Yet, regions have to be in the focus of attention on an equal scale,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

By the end of this year the second phase of the project will be finished and the village will be fully illuminated. The work is already in the process: 47 LED lights will be installed with 1.8 km long streets illuminated. Residents of Goghtanik, which is situated in the Yeghegis River Valley, constantly face human-wildlife conflict, and have already felt the benefits of an outdoor lighting system. Developing infrastructure in different communities of the country, partners are convinced that the long-term efficiency program will also contribute to the activation of rural life.

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 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 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