In Sisian consolidated community, Syunik Region, there are Dastakert copper-molybdenum and coral gold-polymetallic mines, Mutsq gold-polymetallic mines, soil management has been given for the development of 10 non-metallic mines. Vorotan hydro complex and a number of small HPPs are operating. However, Sisian consolidated community has not developed enough.
Life seems to have come to a standstill in Dastakert after the Soviet-era copper and molybdenum mine was shut down. Dastakert was formed as an urban settlement in 1951 for the development of Dastakert copper-molybdenum mine.
Dastakert copper-molybdenum mine is located in the area of Dastakert settlement in Sisian enlarged community, Syunik Region. Dastakert as an urban settlement was formed in 1952 on the basis of the development of Dastakert copper-molybdenum mine and the ore dressing plant. During the mining operations, about 3,000 people lived in Dastakert, and today about 300 people live here.
According to Administrative Head of Dastakert settlement Nairi Filosyan, it is very difficult to develop an alternative economic branch here. "There are no conditions for developing agriculture, we do not have arable lands, it is a mountainous area. The neighborhoods are also very small. It is not possible to implement large projects on 200-500 square meters. We do not have any places to develop tourism. Who will bring another industry so far?" Nairi Filosyan noted.
Vorotan hydroelectric complex produces about 60% of the electricity produced in the republic's hydropower plants. It uses about 85% of the water volume of Vorotan River for its uninterrupted work, operates the Spandaryan, Shamb, Tatev, Tolors, Angeghakot reservoirs and one daily regulation reservoir. Due to the development of water resources, there is a shortage of irrigation water, which is a problem for the villagers during the summer season. Contour Global HydroCascade CJSC, which operates the complex, annually provides 20 million AMD to Sisian community, but according to local residents, there is no improvement observed in the community.
Shaqi waterfall is located in Shaki settlement, which is one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Armenia and a favorite place for tourists. The water of the waterfall is fed by "Shaqi" SHPP, which is built on the river Shaqi.
The waterfall has been drying up since the evening for the operation of a SHPP.
According to Administrative Head of Shaqi settlement Vahan Ghazaryan, the waterfall can be seen from 9:30 in the morning to 20:00 in the evening depending on the number of tourists. Vahan Ghazaryan, however, emphasized that the tourist movement in the center of the village is very little. We are not so active either, because we do not build guest houses, we do not use the road even to sell the food of our village."
Sisian Community Deputy Head Vardan Ivanyan also mentioned the problems caused by the human factor. According to him, the development of Sisian Community is hindered by the lack of human resources and the lack of necessary specialists on the spot. Vardan Ivanyan mentioned that this gap is noticeable even in the community hall. According to him, the problem of human resources is also felt in agriculture. "We must totally educate all farmers, educate all beneficiaries with the logic of adult education.
He noted that the other issue concerns the management of their resources. "There is a problem at all levels. The process of water management has a serious impact on agriculture. Most of the pastures are being degraded due to water problems, which need billions to restore," Vardan Ivanyan said.
From this point of view, "Social and Ecological Responsibility" program implemented in Sisian Community, which aims to develop the community's social-environmental policy, can be the key to development. However, as a community, we would like to have a toolkit that will allow us to make real assessments and try to work out solutions,” Sisian Community Deputy Head said.
Arthur Vardazaryan, President of New Horizons NGO and regional coordinator of the program, said that the businessman has no desire to invest in communities with environmental problems, which worsens the social status of people. "First, let's understand what social and ecological policy means. When we talk about the social problems of the population, we can also assess the ecological situation in the community. And if there is a positive ecological situation in the community, people make big investments, and, consequently, tourism develops," he said.
“Social and Ecological Responsibility” project is carried out by the NGOs involved in "Social-Ecological Consortium” - “Center for Community Mobilization and Support”, “Martuni Women’s Community Council”, “New Horizons”, “EcoLur” and “Forests of Armenia” NGOs within the frameworks of The Data for Accountable and Transparent Action (DATA) project.
The Data for Accountable and Transparent Action (DATA) project is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of DATA Project are the sole responsibility of “Center for Community Mobilization and Support” NGO and project partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, EPF, and DATA Consortium.
April 19, 2022 at 15:56