Viva-MTS: Target program implemented in borderland village of Voskepar

It has been eight months now a system of energy-efficient LED lamps have been installed in the borderland village of Voskepar. 40 LED lamps were installed and a whole district was illuminated, embracing some 1,5 km territory. The modernization of community infrastructure was supported by Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). Noyemberyan administration has contributed to the project, too.

Voskepar has already seen the positive impact of the “Eco Villages Network” program, and the partner organizations have decided to continue and finally solve the problem of lighting. The start of the second phase of the long-run program has been announced. By the end of the year, it is planned to broaden the area of lighted streets in the village by 1250 m. Along with the above mentioned, the impact of the long-term and target programs in the borderland villages was discussed. Organizations are confident that the program will allow people in frontier villages to increase their safety and reduce community expenses.

“I am far from you physically, but it is the result that matters. Our approach to borderland villages remains unchanged. We strive to ensure investments year after year so that you stay confident that we are separated only by distance and that you are not alone. Developing infrastructures through programs like this has always been and remains one of our most vital purposes. Stay healthy and strong and keep our borders strong,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

“The lighting system is of most importance for the borders. It’s already 4 years you support us to tackle the issue. Your work encourages the villagers who proudly protect the land. By settling this issue, we ensure the security of our people during night hours and save the community’s funds,” said Karen Abazyan, head of the Noyemberyan community.

“For the second stage of the program, the organizational work is being carried out. The location of the pillars has been chosen, the pillars and the lights have been ordered already. Construction will begin soon. Once we finish this stage, we can say for sure that in Voskepar will be illuminated by 95%,” said the program coordinator Martin Maralchyan.

Serob Makhsudyan, the administrative head of the settlement, and the residents also stress the importance of the program achievements.

For the sake of environmental protection, energy efficiency, and community development, Viva-MTS and FPWC, long-time partners, see the modern technology to be extremely important, as it is addressed to four components of sustainability: environmental, economic, cultural and social.

Environment-friendly and energy-efficient LED lamps to consume 80% less electricity and serve up to 50 times longer. The streets in the village will be illuminated every day until 01:00 AM.

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