Viva-MTS. green technology in Gomku (photos)

The topic of human-wildlife coexistence has become important in Vayots Dzor Marz in recent years. There is a problem. maintain farms without harming nature. Farmers report that bears that damage beehives and orchards show special skills to the scout. very quickly "discover" human-made obstacles and overcome them, causing significant damage to economies. Vahe Khachatryan, a farmer engaged in beekeeping in Gomk village, resorted to many tricks to save his economy. located the path of the bear to his park, installed sensitive devices to signal the animal's approach, but these solutions were temporary and ineffective.

Viva-MTS and the Foundation for Conservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values (FPWC) have chosen an effective solution to support farmers. have implemented modern green technologies. Solar powered electric fencing systems are harmless to animals and indispensable in growing the economy. Recently, five of the twenty systems provided to the Vayots Dzor region were allocated to the Vayk community, which Vahe Khachatryan will also use.

"I have 95 hives. This year, the bear started coming to the village earlier, in the spring. It usually came in the fall. If it wasn't for the "electric shepherd", I would have suffered a lot of damage before the fall. there would be nothing left of the hives. After installing the system I am calmer. It is very good that there are organizations that support the farmer and help to maintain the economy. We are also developing beekeeping. It is good for us and the citizen. we produce pure honey," said farmer Vahe Khachatryan.

Making green technologies serve humanity and nature, as well as creating a network of eco-villages, has become a strategic approach for Viva-MTS since 2019. Together with a partner organization, the Foundation for Conservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values, they sought to contribute to sustainable development, reduce environmental risks, and develop farms through modern solar-powered technologies. As a result of the green approach, 50 "electric shepherds" have been provided to farmers over the years. The total area of the area fenced with them is 475,000 square meters.

An electric fence operates at high voltage but low current (amperage). The animals are not physically harmed, but feeling discomfort, they stop approaching the fenced areas.