© WWF Armenia
Promotion of Ecological Corridors in Armenia

The purpose of the Project is to introduce funding for ecologically sustainable land use in selected eco-corridors in the South Caucasus and thus contribute to interlinking protected areas and implementation of effective conservation in community conservation areas. 
 

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

The project is implemented by WWF-Armenia with funds provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank.

ECF - Phase II project is co-financed by SDC funded project Living Landscape for Market Development in Armenia which is implemented by WWF-Armenia in cooperation with the "Strategic Development Agency" (SDA) NGO.

OUR KEY ACTIVITIES
The Project provides long-term (up to 10 years) financial means for community-based nature conservation within ecological corridors and improve the socio-economic situation of the local communities in these corridors. The livelihoods of the rural population are also preserved through the protection and sustainable use of natural resources. 

The Project funds long-term Conservation Agreements (CA) for the rural areas that are critical for the Project target species (Bezoar goat, Armenian mouflon, Caucasian leopard, Brown bear, Red deer) and habitats and are located in defined eco-corridors within conservation landscapes in Armenia
 

In 2022, the second phase of ECF Project started, which enabled the expansion protected areas in ecological corridors and involve new beneficiary settlements.



The Project helps to improve Climate protection by expanding the use of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency. 


The Project works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Regional government bodies.
 

Expected Results:

It is planned to increase the population and range of Bezoar goat, Caucasian leopard, Brown bear, Armenian mouflon and Red deer.
 

Expected results:

The Project also plans to introduce a new approach to pasture management, which will improve the sustainable use of the land. The farmers will be provided electric fences and other means of protection against wild animal attacks. 

Since 2015, during the two phases of the Project about 80 thousand ha of community conserved areas have been established, which is about 3 percent of the RA territory. It includes 25 settlements of Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Ararat, Lori and Tavush regions.
 

The scientific study implemented in 2024 revealed that the number of target animals in ecological corridors has substantially increased: the number of Bezoar goats has increased by 30%, the number of Brown bears has increased significantly, and there almost constant presence of two Caucasian leopards has been recorded in Arpa Protected Landscape.
 

Within the framework of the LILA project, pasture management plans of 14 rural settlements were updated and grazing schedules elaborated, making pasture use more efficient and in line with environmental and sustainable use requirements. Watering points and enclosures were constructed and field roads were improved in beneficiary settlements. These measures improved pasture accessibility and increased profitability of animal husbandry.
 

Expected Results:

In cooperation with beneficiary communities it is planned to introduce and operate a voluntary solidarity compensation scheme for damages caused by Brown bear and Leopard.