Visit to Lake Arpi National Park

On September 17-19, 2013, Rati Japaridze, Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, conducted a work-related visit to Lake Arpi National Park. The park is located in northwest Armenia at Javakheti-Shiraki plateau and was founded in 2010 with the support of the German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (KFW). It is a part of a trans-boundary Protected Area and is adjoined to Turkey, as well as to Javakheti National Park in Southern Georgia.

During the visit, the Chairman of the Agency held a meeting with the Director and administrative staff of the Lake Arpi National Park and discussed some potential avenues of cooperation. This kind of cooperation is extremely important in terms of trans-boundary park development and both parties are ready to exchange scientific and statistical data, as well as to hold regular meetings to strengthen cooperation.     

The meeting parties visited Lake Arpi border zone, which is adjoined to Javakheti National Park. It is worth noting that the administrative building and a visitor’s zone were built with the financial support of the German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (KFW). A similar program will be implemented at Javakheti National Park, where the second stage of construction will begin in the spring of 2014. The staff of Lake Arpi National Park and their experience is very valuable in this regard and their feedback is important to take into consideration.

There are plans to build a visitor center and administrative building at Javakheti National Park next year. Additionally, an eco camp, a birdwatching tower and a water supply system in seven villages located near the National Park Support Zone have all been planned for construction.