English subject exam topic

College of Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex

English subject exam topic

Topic: Ecotourism in Armenia
Material: Mariam Shakhverdyan, a third-year student of the Department of Tourism
Instructor: Arpi Tovmasyan

Content:

1. Introduction
2. Ecotourism
   • What is Ecotourism? The essence of ecotourism.
   • Problems and types of ecotourism.
   • The term ecotourism.
   • Definitions of ecotourism.
   • Peculiarity of ecotourism.
3. The purpose of ecotourism
4. Ecotourism in Armenia
5. Eco-tourism routes
6. Eco-tourism development plan of the Republic of Armenia
7. Summary of general material

Introduction:

I have chosen ecological tourism of the Republic of Armenia as the topic of my research work. I presented the problems and peculiarities of the given sphere, in general what is connected with eco-tourism. Using the Internet, I tried to gather all the important information and materials, which I briefly presented in my presentation. I consider this topic to be the most intimate of the spheres of tourism, as I am interested in everything related to nature and animals. I try to become a part of nature, helping nature and avoiding harming it.
The purpose of this research is to understand:
• What are the problems in this area?
• how to develop it,
• What role does ecotourism play in Armenia?
• Is ecotourism developed here?
You can read and say your opinion, which will help me a lot to improve my work.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving responsible travel (using sustainable transport) to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.: 33  Ecotourism may focus on educating travelers on local environments and natural surroundings with an eye to ecological conservation. Some include in the definition of ecotourism the effort to produce economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources financially possible.

Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Ecotourism aims at minimal environmental impact on the areas visited. Besides fostering respect towards the natural environment, ecotourism also helps in creating socio-economic benefits for the communities of the area visited.

Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of environmental and social responsibility.

Types of eco-tourism

This type of tourism can be divided into several subtypes.

1. Cultural Eco-tourism. Includes a number of scientific, cultural, educational and tourist excursions. Such tours are accompanied by special ecological routes.
2. Cognitive Eco-tourism. Usually in this case the national parks և ecological places act as tourist attractions. During the scientific tours, the tourists conduct field observations, participate in research expeditions.
3. Adventure Eco-tourism. May include long-distance tours, short bicycle tours, difficult terrain, physical activity, rural travel. Such ecotourism is associated with outdoor recreation, which includes mountaineering, alpine skiing.
4. Environmental Eco-tourism. The unique and exotic natural objects and phenomena of the resources attract many tourists.

Armenia is rich in natural, historical and cultural monuments, recreational resources, which are possible preconditions for the development of eco-tourism. The term ecotourism was officially used in the West by Mexican ecologist Hector Ceballos-Lascurain during a conference in the first half of the 1980s. In Russia, almost at the same time, it came into circulation during the development and operation of the «Round Baikal Railway» route. In professional (as well as academic) circles, there are several idealistic definitions of ecotourism in the same sense.

• Ecotourism — an environmentally responsible journey to explore nature and cultural attractions in connection with untouched natural areas, which contributes to the preservation of the environment, has a ‘mild’ impact on the environment, ensures the active socio-economic participation of local people և receiving benefits from that activity. International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• Ecotourism — responsible travel to natural areas, which promotes nature conservation and improves the well-being of the local population. The Ecotourism Society.
• Ecotourism — tourism, which includes trips to relatively pristine nature to get an idea of ​​the natural-cultural-ethnic features of the area, which does not violate the integrity of the ecosystem, creates conditions under which the protection of nature and natural resources becomes effective for the local population. World Wildlife Fund.

The peculiarity of ecotourism is that it can prevent the negative impact on the environment, it also has a very positive impact on the environment and culture, which helps tourism professionals, travelers in nature conservation and cultural development.
The most important professional tool for ecotourism development is natural resource management. There are several places in the world where there are a lot of natural resources. Proper management programs need to be put in place to keep those resources intact. Several organizations, NGOs, scientists are working in this direction. Ecotourism can provide protection of national parks and other natural areas, can increase the level of education and activity among tourists, making them more enthusiastic and influential agents of environmental protection.

Eco-tourism contributes to the protection of the environment, ensures the active socio-economic participation of local residents in the implemented events. The purpose of such trips is to travel to relatively untouched natural areas, which contribute to the protection of natural beauty, resources, their rational use. During such tours, the natural object (lake, cave, tree, animal species, plants, landscape) brings intellectual pleasure. The main purpose is to inform tourists about the social conditions surrounding the tourist destination. Such conditions of poverty are often hidden from tourists, as tours are organized in tourist destinations in all countries, and for the growth of tourism, visitors are encouraged to see all the man-made beauties in which tourists can get comfort and luxury. Ecotourism aims to acquaint tourists with the realities of the socio-economic climate of the area.

This type is one of the most dynamically developing sectors in the tourism sector, with an annual growth of 20-30% and a share of 10-15% in international tourism revenues.

When organizing eco-tourism, it is necessary to take into account the following important principles:

1. Minimizing the negative impacts of natural-socio-cultural nature, ensuring ecological sustainability.
2. Support for nature protection and local socio-cultural environment.
3. Environmental education and awareness.
4. Involvement of residents ստ Receiving income from tourism activities, which creates economic incentives for them in nature protection.
5. Economic efficiency and contribution to the sustainable development of the visit regions.

International experience shows that the use of eco-lodges or eco-houses is very significant at present. It is no coincidence that hundreds of years ago, when building houses, people chose environmentally friendly material, namely wood.
Natural resources and technological capabilities have been the impetus for one of man’s centuries-old dreams of having houses made of natural raw materials. Unlike other houses, wooden ones breathe for the rest of their lives.

Eco-tourism in Armenia

Ecotourism is very developed in Armenia. Armenia can aspire to become one of the most favorable ecotourism zones in the region. Suffice it to say that monasteries in Armenia are mostly built far from residential areas, where nature is beautiful. Moreover, historical and natural monuments are interconnected and united.
Events are organized here, which attract tourists, which contributes to the development of the country. The annual ecotourism festival has been held in the Vayots Dzor region since 2016. The main goal of the festival is to develop ecotourism in Armenia, raising public awareness on environmental protection. The ecotourism festival is usually attended by ecotourists, people who are interested in the concept of ecotourism, many local communities who have the opportunity to present their ecologically clean products.

Ecotourism in Armenia offers many activities, such as:

Mountaineering
Mountaineering is also known as mountaineering or mountaineering. This is very common in Armenia, which is not surprising at all. Armenia is known as a mountainous country. The highest mountain is Aragats (4090 m). Usually, Armenian travel agencies include mountaineering tours in their tours. These hikes are mostly done on foot, which also contributes to nature conservation. The beginning of mountaineering is considered to be 1786, when 2 Swiss, villagers J. Balman և Dr. M. Pakkar was the first to cross the highest peak of the Alps (hence the name) Mont Blanc (4810 m), and the history of Armenian mountaineering begins in Ararat. The first mountaineering expedition in Armenia was carried out on September 27, 1829, when Professor F. Parrot և Kh. Abovyan climbed the peak of Ararat (Mets Masis) (5165 m). On July 29, 1845, the German geologist H. climbed the top of Ararat. Abikh, translator P. Accompanied by Sharoyan and two other Armenians, Hovhannes Ayvazyan and Murad Poghosyan. On September 14, 1896, Ararat was conquered by Professor I. of the University of Zurich. Abelyan. Mountaineering trips are organized in different directions in Armenia, but the most famous is the ascent of Mount Aragats (4090 m), which is the highest peak in Armenia. In 1935, Armenian mountaineers conquered the highest peak of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, Elbrus (5642 m).

Hiking
This is the best way to get closer to nature, to merge with it. Armenia is a mountainous country, which offers a huge range of hiking destinations, which are accompanied by beautiful natural scenery. The campaign in Armenia is also an opportunity to communicate with the locals, to see the rural life of Armenia, why not to feel the real Armenian hospitality. By buying home-made, organic produce from local communities, you will encourage residents to stay in the village, continue to develop their work, and contribute to the village’s economy.

Cycling trips
Bicycle tourism is a new and developing type of eco-tourism in Armenia. They organize bicycle trips in the mountains. By the way, I should mention that singer Aram Mp3 has a program called VELO MP3, where Aram started a bicycle trip in Armenia, which helps to discover our country.

Horse riding tours
Horseback riding is organized in fields, mountains and valleys. The rain can last from a few minutes to a few days. There are still villages in Armenia where people prefer horses as a means of transportation. This is also not developed yet, but I think it will develop in the future. Equestrian events are organized, during which they ride in nature to the group. New riding directions, routes and trails are opened in Armenia every year. Basic physical training, passion for new discoveries and new experiences, good competent training of a professional instructor. Here’s all you need for a successful horse racing through the amazing wildlife of Armenia. By the way, if you are interested in more advanced riding skills, then in several equestrian clubs with their own hippodrome you can organize a one-day cross-training course for beginners on sport horses. I should mention that recently they tried to run the same adventures on donkeys, but it is not known how developed it is.

Cave hiking
The cave expedition is called Keving. Armenia is covered with mountains, of course, there are many caves here. Cave trips are full of sharp feelings and impressions. Famous caves are Khndzoresk, Areni and Mozrov caves. Cave tours are a completely new and exotic type of tourism in the caves of Armenia, there is no shortage of caves in the mountains and gorges, many of them are waiting for the time of their discovery. In many of these caves, archaeologists find traces of ancient human life from time immemorial, and this is of great interest to those who love such expeditions.

Wildlife monitoring
Wildlife viewing is a new developing direction of ecotourism in Armenia. Despite its small size, Armenia is a diverse flora and fauna. The country is full of forests. In total, forests cover 12% of the country, and most of them are concentrated in the north-southeast. The picturesque mountainous regions of Armenia are rich in animals. The flora of Armenia has about 3200 species of animals, 106 of which are endemic to the region. Ornithologists come to Armenia from all over the world because of its natural diversity. Armenia is a country with a wonderful diversity of natural landscapes and is on the list of 34 best places in the world with biodiversity. About 350 species of birds, 250 species of butterflies, 3500 species of plants live here, 452 of which are registered in the Red Book. The level of endemism is quite high, rare in Armenia — 11% of fish, 17% of amphibians, 24% of reptiles, 23% of birds, 24% of mammals are endangered. In Armenia you will have the opportunity to see and study bezoar goats. The «Ditaket» special observatory of Shatin village of Vayots Dzor region gives an opportunity to observe bezoar goats, to see how they go down to the gorge to drink water. Due to the grassy environment, goats easily escape from wild animals, climbing on the rocks. At the moment, one or two people visit the observatory daily. However, after some work and fixes technical issues, the observatory may become one of the most visited tourist destinations. The observatory is working hard to protect bezoar goats. By visiting this observatory, you can also help protect these animals. Arriving in Armenia, you can gain experience in the field of bird watching. Whether you have bird watching experience or not, you will definitely enjoy this activity. Birds have an ecological-aesthetic impact on the environment. Bird watching is an interesting activity in Armenia. It is worth participating in bird watching at least once, as it can become your favorite hobby. One of the most important infrastructures of ecotourism is the specially protected natural areas. For example, national parks and state reserves, where many endangered natural areas can be found. The main goal of ecotourism development in protected natural areas is the protection of nature and its remaining species. Armenia stands out with its beautiful, unique protected areas, forests, lakes and a variety of plants.

It is said that nature can cure many diseases. Only away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the noise of megacities, the crowds, the technology, we can completely calm the body and soul. Armenia is ideal for ecological tourism.
• The country is located at an altitude of 390-4090 m above sea level, so there is a diverse flora and fauna;
• Ecologically clean guest houses are built in beautiful places. Armenians have long tried to build buildings to oppose them to the environment;
• Most of the regions of the republic in Armenia intensively develop ecotourism and offer a wide range of activities և entertainment;
• Every year a large-scale ecotourism festival is held in the country. During this time eco travelers from all over the world come to the country. Thus, they seek to draw public attention to ecologically clean recreation.

Eco-tourism routes

Places that will definitely be appreciated by those who choose ecotourism in Armenia: Khosrov forest reserve, Yenokavan (summer resort in Tavush region) and Gomk (village in Vayots Dzor region). Here are beautiful landscapes, almost untouched nature, surprisingly hospitable people և fresh air. In such places, the cultivation of vegetables and fruits without chemical additives is developed, so all the food you try is ecologically clean and safe. Most of the historical sights in Armenia are either hidden in the forests or closer to the villages. And sometimes they are in such remote places that it is necessary to walk a few kilometers to reach them. Thus, ecotourism in Armenia can be easily combined with expeditions and cultural trips. Khosrov reserve is one of the best places for ecotourism in Armenia. Here you can see beautiful waterfalls, Havuts Tar and The ruins of Aghjots monasteries, «Symphony of Stones» beautiful natural monument and much more. There are several ecotourism centers near the reserve.

From the point of view of tourism, the state reserves are of great interest. According to the Armenian Law on Specially Protected Areas, the state reserve is an area of ​​special environmental, national and aesthetic significance with scientific, educational, historical and cultural value, where the processes of natural environment development take place without direct human intervention.

Thus, every year thousands of tourists visit Khosrov Reserve, who, in addition to wildlife, are also interested in Havuts Tar, which is a monastic complex. An 8 km long road has been built, which connects the reserve with this complex, becoming the only eco-tourism route in the region. In this context, it is necessary to prevent the gradual destruction of historical and architectural monuments in the area of ​​the reserve due to natural factors, to improve their condition.
The restoration of these values ​​will allow to ensure harmony between the «environment» of the cultural monuments of the past.
The use of these monuments in the context of rapidly developing tourism also aims to solve certain employment problems and the creation of infrastructure in the area.

Another interesting ecotourism destination is the next ecotourism center in Khosrov reserve, Urtsadzor village. Urtsadzor also has an eco-educational center where locals can take part in interesting ecotourism courses. For several years now, environmental events, environmental courses, landscaping, renovation of guest houses, and other activities have been held here, in which tourists can also take part. There are two eco houses in Urtsadzor: «Urtsadzor Eco House» and «Ranger Campus». Not far from them, in Gnishik village, there is another cozy place called «Gnishik Eco house». These three eco-lodges provide many exciting activities such as hiking, horseback riding, environmental activities, plantings and more.
Travelers prefer to stay in small hotels and guesthouses, and sometimes stay with villagers. This approach allows travelers to immerse themselves in local life and gain a unique experience. One of them is Hye Landz Eco Village Resort. There are pets in this ecotourism center that tourists can feed. This eco-resort is located in Geghadir village, which provides the village with several solar panels, which contribute to its sustainable development. Ecotourists are always looking for travel experiences that are close to nature and the local community. This is exactly what you can find in Armenia, what will make you come back here. The potential of the country in ecotourism is very big, it is developing at a fast pace, bypassing the usual tours of attractions. Ecotourism is distinguished by the fact that it introduces tourists not to the sights of Armenia, but to nature, offers to rest in the villages, in special places of rest with a special attitude towards nature, where only ecologically clean products are used. all natural and homemade. Ecotourism is a sustainable travel practice that helps preserve protected areas while benefiting the local economy. Ecotourism has become a significant part of the tourism industry. People planning an eco vacation can expect not only to enjoy beautiful scenery and enjoy the natural beauty, but also to learn about the role of protecting biodiversity and supporting local culture and economy.

Eco-tourism development plan of the Republic of Armenia

Eco-tourism in Armenia is developing more and more, which, of course, has a positive impact on the overall development of the Republic of Armenia, the development of the economy and other sectors. Let’s start with the fact that the country needs a lot of tourists, but we must understand that in order to attract a tourist, we must create sufficient and convenient conditions. Therefore, I suggest using the villages of the regions as a resource, we will include the areas where nature is emphasized (ie, the presence of beautiful and wild nature, animal farms, etc.), build eco-cottages in these areas, which will not be so luxurious, as eco-tourism does not provide Luxurious and high-class hotel conditions, the main goal of the field is to make friends with nature by being closer to it. The eco-cottages are small, medium-sized wooden huts, which will be in conditions suitable for tourists. The villagers can also provide the tourist with a room where the villagers will show their traditions, which will be very attractive and interesting for tourists, because that way they will get acquainted with the general culture of the country. We can offer the villager to turn his house into a guest house, using all the convenient conditions, for example, to show the tourist the agriculture of the village, life, how the villager makes cheese, takes care of the animals, waters the trees, harvests, etc., thus introducing the tourist to Armenian agriculture. The villager will introduce them to the cuisine of the given region, and the tourist will take part in that process, cooking with the women living in the village.

We can organize campaigns, during which the main activity will be garbage collection, these events will be more intended for the locals to start taking care of the country where they live. In other words, the goal of the general project is to acquaint the locals with the eco-tourism of Armenia, to clear the area from garbage, to clean the roads, to learn to take care of nature. To make the project more up-to-date, we can advertise on the Internet, as a result of which people will be more informed, interested and will try to participate in the given project. It is also possible to organize courses / seminars or camps on ecotourism, to inform people about general ecotourism, about the nature of Armenia, animals problems, to understand how to solve those problems. We must learn to save water, gas and everything, to be more economical, so that we all do not face the fact later. All this will help the villages to develop their agriculture, as a result of which many other important branches of tourism will develop, such as agro-tourism, green tourism, adventure tourism, gastro-tourism, etc.

SWOT analysis

(S) Strengths
This field has many strengths, they are:

1. Eco-tourism developed in the country will contribute to the development of Armenia’s economy.
2. Due to eco-tourism, many other branches will be developed, such as agro-tourism, green tourism, adventure tourism, gastro tourism, etc.
3. Many tourist sites and general nature will be freed from garbage by drawing up and implementing a number of projects.
4. Through camps, seminars or courses, people will be more aware of eco-tourism.
5. The flora and fauna of Armenia will be provided, cared for and appreciated by humanity.
6. Villages that were previously unrecognized and neglected by the state will be recognized through ecotourism. The state will start paying attention to these villages by financing them.
7. Many people will get a job — people who do not have special professional education can be a good resource for the field.
8. The scientific level of people will develop by having contact with different tourists.
9. Cultural development will take place, which will also promote cultural tourism.

Weaknesses

1. The epidemic will cause problems with tourist accommodation, as villagers may disagree for fear of infection.
2. The state does not have sufficient funds to develop this sector.
3. We do not have improved roads.
   

(O) Opportunities

1. Gives an opportunity to get to know nature better and be closer to it.
2. People who love nature will be happy, because they will have the opportunity to help nature by becoming a part of nature.
3. There will be an opportunity to study wildlife, birds և plants, get acquainted with exotic / red book types.
4. Armenia will have the opportunity to develop eco-tourism.
5. Guide provision.
6. In this way we will have the opportunity to make the country more recognizable.

(T) Threat

1. The disagreement of the villagers.
2. We can have problems with the weather, as we can not organize 12 months of the year.
3. The emergence of epidemics can be a big obstacle.
4. Improper roads are obstacles, which complicate the road.

Summary of research work

During this research work, studying the eco-tourism of Armenia, I realized that this field is not very developed in our country, we have many problems that are not raised, and therefore no solutions are given. By studying, I tried to give certain solutions, which in my opinion, if implemented, will have a positive impact on the country’s eco-tourism. In this article I have collected and presented all the necessary information about ecotourism that was needed to write a development plan. During my work I got a better idea of ​​the tourism industry. This essay gave me the opportunity to explore tourism from another angle, and to be honest, before doing this research I was not very interested in this field until today, but when I got an idea of ​​eco-tourism, my whole opinion changed and I started to approach it with even more interest. I learned about the problems in this field, I tried to make a development plan to prevent those problems. I want to work in this field in the future, because nature is very important to me. My future is not in the fog either, now I already see what profession I will work in.
As there was not much information about ecotourism on the Internet, I turned to Russian for materials, which I translated and used in the material.