Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan, at the invitation of non-governmental organizations operating in Gegharkunik region, took part in a hiking-discussion with different dimensions, aimed at the full realization of the tourism potential of the areas adjacent to Lake Sevan.
 This was the second meeting with the non-governmental organizations operating in the region.
 The tourism opportunities provided by the areas adjacent to Lake Sevan, the ways of effective realization of their potential through cooperation between the state agency-community-non-governmental organizations were discussed.
 "At the core of all programs and measures aimed at the protection of Lake Sevan is the reduction of anthropogenic pressure on the lake.  Today we have a task to minimize human interference in natural processes, to ensure the restoration of the ecological balance of the lake.
 "It is necessary to correctly assess the tourism opportunities of the areas adjacent to Lake Sevan, communities, to realize them effectively through joint efforts, it will help achieve our vision of reducing the pressure on the lake," said the Deputy Minister.
 "The rich natural, historical and cultural heritage of Gegharkunik region allows to develop different forms of tourism and recreation.  For example, hiking geotourism can be developed in the region.  There are sufficient resources for these types of tourism, but the approved programs developed for their development are still incomplete.  "In this context, it is necessary to create complex tour packages, in which the excursions will be carried out in mountainous areas," said the Deputy Minister.
 Issues related to closer ties with the communities adjacent to the public beaches of Lake Sevan were also discussed.
 The Deputy Minister presented the results of the tender announced for the service of public beaches, and urged to cooperate more actively with the businesses implementing the service of public beaches.  The Ministry encourages the organization of beach overnight stays in community-run guesthouses, which will help direct the flow of tourists to the communities, solving two problems: again reducing the anthropogenic pressure on the lake social progress of the communities.
 At the end of the meeting, Deputy Minister Aram Meymaryan again stated that the reforms of the Ministry of Environment aimed at the protection of Lake Sevan will be implemented more effectively in cooperation with the representatives of the public sphere.