It took place “Responsible for Lake Sevan" open-air event and a joint visit within the framework of “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project in Gegharkunik region implemented with the co-funding of the EU and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as well as in the frames of the Ministry of Environment- and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit-implemented (GIZ) “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 Response Project.
In the course of the event, the guests first arrived in Artsvanist River area, got acquainted with the activities supervised within the scopes of “Restoration of Riparian Zones in Armenia” COVID-19 Response Project, participated in the ongoing clean-up activities in collaboration with the community members. The part of Artsvanist River that flows into Lake Sevan was completely cleaned from household wastes. Afterwards, the participants left for Vardenik community, where they had the opportunity to get acquainted with the beneficiaries of "Cultivating new cabbage varieties in Gegharkunik region" subproject of “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project.
In the period of May 3 to May 11, 135.990 willow cuttings were planted in the riparian zones of Masrik and Karchaghbyur rivers in the administrative areas of Mets Masrik, Akhpradzor, Vardenis communities. Overall, 63 people from these communities took part in the planting activities. In May 600.000 willows will be planted in a number of riparian zones of rivers. Additionally, cleaning of riparian zones of a number of rivers flowing into Lake Sevan will be effected. Overall, 500 residents from Gegharkunik region will take part in spring and summer works. COVID-19 Response Project provides temporary employment and income to those who have suffered from the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and at the same time contributes to the restoration of the ecosystems of Lake Sevan and the rivers flowing into Sevan.