In order to ensure proper protection of the RA specially protected areas, sustainable development of biodiversity, realization of the scientific potential of the sanctuary, as well as to make Armenia an eco-tourist country and present nature to the world, the Ministry of Environment launched a new program to introduce eco-tourism component in Khorov Forest State Reserve.
As reported by "Armenpress", this program includes special tourist routes, announcement of the sanctuary entrance, fixing of clear restrictions, package offers of eco-tourism services, organization of courses for the development of eco-education component, payment through a special terminal, etc.
Acting Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan presented to the journalists how the tourist should use the electronic payment system through the payment terminal, what steps he should take to get a ticket to enter "Khosrov Forest". "It is necessary to click on the window of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the terminal. After clicking on the window of" Khosrov Forest "state reserve, the tourist is presented with 8 routes, which must be selected, then fill in personal data for social card, name, surname, make payment. "Tour operators must announce entry in advance to take tourists on these routes, where there are clear restrictions," said the acting minister.
The solemn ceremony of opening the sign of that center took place.
"We have been working in this direction for months, of course, all this was done with the support of CNF, GIZ, the Armenian office of the World Wildlife Fund. We have historical and architectural monuments in Khosrov forest, such as Havuts Tar, Kaqavaberd, Astghik and Vahagn waterfalls. The program envisages hikes with maximum use of control program tools with specialized և specially trained ecotourism inspectors. The payments will be made not only through the terminals, but also through our website, due to which strict control will be carried out in the sphere, shadow circulation and corruption will be excluded. Petrosyan: The road leading here will be improved, 690 m of asphalt will be paved, a tender has been announced and a contractor has been selected. There will be 2 parking lots next to the sign. ”
He emphasized that starting from the entrance of "Khosrov Forest" state reserve, tourists and guides will be accompanied by eco-inspectors. The groups will consist of 10-12 people.
After the briefing, a media tour was organized for the journalists on one of the routes of "Khosrov Forest" state reserve, from Garni precinct to Havuts Tar monastic complex. The campaign was carried out in the left part of the gorge of the same name, Azat River. The road is rich in flora, such as junipers, sagebrush, thyme, etc. We walked for 2.5 and a half hours, we covered 5 km. It is possible to reach Havuts Tar from Geghard plateau, but that way is longer. Arriving at the monastic complex, we saw beautiful, interesting ornaments, khachkars.
In order to minimize the impact of the human factor in the area of the reserve, a limit on the number of visitors will be applied, under the strict control of the Ministry of Environment.
Lilit Demuryan
