EcoLur
EcoLur’s alarm signal about inadmissibility of active tourism in Magel Cave is perceived in different ways. It’s already months since scholars and environmentalists have been driving attention to the fact that Magel cave, Vayots Dzor Region, inhabited by 8 species of cheiroptera (bats) can’t be used for active tourism accompanied by excursion groups visiting the cave.
Economy Ministry Economy and Tourism Development Department Head Mekhak Apresyan said Magel cave development project for tourism purposes has already been positively assessed by the State Environmental Inspection. Apresyan is convinced this witnesses that the cave ecosystem, i.e. the life of bat colony, won’t be disturbed.
Then there were comments on EcoLur website, which say the statement about open entry and lighting doesn’t comply with reality.
In reply EcoLur brings extracts from Inkar company project entitled “Program for Improving Magel Cave, Vayots Dzor Region, Republic of Armenia”, which in 2011 was submitted for the environmental expert assessment. The project part entitled “Holding Excursions” says “route length – 260m, duration of excursion – 35 minutes. In several points the excursion will be accompanied with lighting and lumiere…”
August 22, 2011 at 12:29