Tsovak community had not had any outdoor lighting system since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Over time, all the infrastructures had worn out.
Realizing the importance of the community development, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), in cooperation with VivaCell-MTS, resolved the illumination issue of the main village streets in the frames of Alternative Energy project. As a result, 50 outdoor LED light systems have been installed, covering a 1,800 meter long area.
VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, the director of the FPWC Ruben Khachatryan, head of Tsovak community Gagik Hakobyan, and community residents attended the launching ceremony of the newly constructed energy efficient system.
“The path we have chosen for rural infrastructure development is justified from economic, environmental and equally moral perspectives. At first glance, the program seems to be aimed merely at solving the outdoor lighting problem of communities. Yet, the long-term impact of the program spreads on a number of issues: energy efficiency, efficient management of financial resources, boosting the spirit of villagers by providing decent living conditions and improving their life quality. So, this program starts by solving the problem of outdoor lighting, but continues to contribute to the development of rural communities over the course of many years,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.
In contrast to light bulbs, LED lights are more energy efficient, durable, and can serve for a much longer period consuming 80% less electricity. Due to the introduction of environmentally friendly and energy efficient outdoor lightening system, villages curtail their financial expenditure, directing the saved amounts to the improvement of community life.
Outdoor lighting will be provided from 21:00 to 00:00 in the summer, and from 18:00 to 23:00 in the winter. On holidays, street lighting will be provided all night long.
Since 1827-1828, repatriates from Mush of Western Armenia have lived in Tsovak community. Tsovak has been famous for its ports where oil and peat production have been transported since 1920. There is some evidence of the old village ruins and residents in the western parts of the village.
The main occupation of the 3500 villagers is small and large cattle farming, bird farming, potato and grain crops, vegetable, and fodder cultivation.
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The aim of the 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