STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 10, ARMENPRESS. A tourism, education and eco-agriculture development complex will be founded in Askeran region of Artsakh Republic which will open new perspectives for the economic development of the region. “Armenpress” was informed by “Initiatives for Development of Armenia” (IDeA), that Artsakh Government and IDeA foundation heralded on October 10 the launching of "Artsakh Eco-Village" project.

IDeA Co-Founder Ruben Vardanyan, congratulated the attendees on the occasion of launching the program noting that the project had undergone long stages of discussions and now there were clear ideas about the scope and nature of the project.

“It was important to prevent the program from becoming a mere foreign project, and involving it in Artsakh ecosystem, making it Artsakh’s general project. The main idea is how to look ahead and provide not only economic but also educational development by preserving the past and our uniqueness. It was difficult to reach such balance. We understood we should set the example. I am grateful to our Swiss partners who were able to perceive that primary issue,” Vardanyan emphasized. In his speech President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan stressed the importance of the project for the republic and its economy, adding that Artsakh had all the necessary preconditions for the development of ecotourism, namely virgin nature, pristine environment, rich historic and cultural heritage, hospitable people, high level of public safety. Bako Sahakyan expressed gratitude to Ruben Vardanyan, main author of the "Artsakh Eco-Village" project, underlining that his involvement in the project created serious prerequisites for its successful implementation. According to preliminary estimations, it is expected to invest over $20 million in the project. The activities of the project will start in the current year.

President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan, Chairman of the National Assembly Ashot Ghoulyan, Prime-Minister Arayik Haroutyunyan, IDeA Co-Founder Ruben Vardanyan, guests from abroad and Armenia and other officials partook at the event.