Most of the residents of Vardahovit community of Vayots Dzor region are refugees and families that have relocated there from different adjacent villages. Until this year, there had been no outdoor lighting infrastructure in the community.
From now on, the streets of Vardahovit will be illuminated in the evenings owing to the installation of a 1.6 km-long system of 45 LED lights. The construction of the new external illumination infrastructures became a reality in the result of the cooperation of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS for the implementation of “Alternative Energy” project.
VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian and FPWC founder Ruben Khachatryan, head of Vardahovit community Samvel Gevorgyan and community residents attended the launching ceremony of the newly built energy-efficient system.
“One of the priorities of VivaCell-MTS is supporting the development of rural communities as a precondition of resolving social and environmental problems in the country. In lots of communities of Armenia, including Vardahovit, construction of LED outdoor lighting systems due to its long term positive impact, influences the improvement of life quality of the residents and sustainable development of village communities. The joy and enthusiasm of the residents encourage us even more and prove the efficiency of the social responsibility strategy underlying the projects,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.
The operation of enironmentally friendly and energy-efficient LED lights reduces energy consumption by up to 80%. Due to the installation of energy-efficient outdoor lighting systems, village communities significantly reduce their financial expenses. The economy of community resources makes the life in communities more vibrant.
Outdoor lighting will be provided from 21:00 to 00:00 in summer, and from 18:00 to 23:00 in winter. On holidays, street lighting will be provided all night long.
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The aim of the “Community Development” project is to develop the communities of Armenia with the innovative technical solutions. The frames of the project include the prevention of the environmental pollution by the use of the alternative energy resources such as solar heating and LED outdoor light systems. The project is implemented in various communities of Tavush, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Lori regions this year. As Armenia has a great solar energy, the contribution of alternative energy and energy-saving technologies can increase the energy efficiency of the households and promote to solve the environmental and social issues in the communities. The project is a new format in the sphere of environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources, based on the long-term cooperation between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets and VivaCell-MTS. The project launched in 2014.
The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) was founded in 2002. FPWC is a member organization of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2012. We are working at the crossroads of wildlife conservation, environmental education, and community development, engaging rural populations in the sustainable development of their communities. In all our projects, we advocate for mutual respect between human beings, natural wealth, and cultural heritage, because we believe these are indispensable conditions for positive progress in Armenia.
VivaCell-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest 2G/3.75G/4G 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 VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. VivaCell-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 100 million mobile subscribers. The Group has been awarded GSM licenses in Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Belarus, a region that boasts a total population of more than 200 million. Since June 2000, 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