The EU4Sevan Regional Office of the EU S Sevan Regional Environmental Program, co-sponsored by the European Union, Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany hosted Sustainable Livestock Management to Improve Lake Sevan Environment.
The aim of the workshop was to present the results of a comprehensive study on the "Pilot Dairy Waste Management Program in Gegharkunik Region" and to discuss the recommendations for the next steps.
The workshop was attended by Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan, EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Baggioli, Gegharkunik Governor Karen Sargsyan, EU4Sevan Project Manager Christian Henschel, as well as representatives from other partner organizations, officials, stakeholders and community members.
Welcoming the participants of the workshop, Deputy Minister Aram Meymaryan noted.
For the effective realization of international opportunities for the effective solution of international opportunities for the solution of the problems of environment protection and use of natural resources, the formation of a unified system of management of the protection of environment, natural resources and rational use through coordinated actions on environmental, social and economic issues. And these discussions are aimed at that.
Preserving the integrity of the ecosystem of Lake Sanaa and its surrounding areas is one of our top priorities.
"Here we have the task of introducing sustainable natural resource management approaches to strengthen the capacity of livestock farmers, local governments and agricultural producers."
 Within the framework of the program, in the context of improving livestock, two actions are currently being implemented:
a) "Pilot manure and dairy waste management pilot program in Gegharkunik region" study;
b) Piloting "Application of cover crops to improve soil health for sustainable agriculture in Gegharkunik region".
Livestock is one of the main sources of pollution in Lake Shana. Comprehensive research and testing of innovative solutions has been carried out in order to develop appropriate solutions to mitigate the effects of sustainable manure on Lake Sanaa.
A comprehensive study outlined the location of manure accumulation in the pilot villages, demonstrated several technological solutions for sustainable manure management for the nursery period (it is almost half a year for the Shana Lake basin), in particular, the need to separate liquid and solid parts Effective financial-institutional solutions for proper manure processing.
The innovative "Renewable Agriculture" concept aims to manage manure outside the nursery area (when the animals are in the field) by integrating the degraded soil ecosystems with the animals, using a special combination of cover crops in the areas separated by an electric shepherd.
The concept of "Renewable Agriculture" was presented at the workshop, the experience of its application in Armenia, as well as the potential of its application in Lake Shana. In connection with this concept, the presentation of the book "Dirt to Soil" for the first time with an Armenian translation will be presented for the first time. The book is a guide for local farmers to improve their soil health and engage in sustainable agriculture by cultivating cover crops.