To promote environmental tourism in Armenia, several wildlife watching huts were opened on October 18 in the Vayots Dzor settlements of Shatin and Chiva.

The huts are modestly furnished (beds, chairs, table), and can accommodate two-three persons. They have internet access and limited electricity, which is solar powered.  

According to the Armenian Association of Biologists, representatives of environmental and tourism organizations attended the event and got acquainted with the lodge-houses, as well as the Wildlife Watching Armenia Initiative, which will promote the development of wildlife watching culture in Armenia. environmental protection and improving the socio-economic status of the locals.

The use of lodge-huts is an innovative approach and is being used for the first time in Armenia to monitor wildlife, especially large mammals.

It not only promotes ecotourism but also helps mitigate the human-wildlife conflict.

Bears regularly visit these villages, raiding the fruit orchards. Thus, local residents have a negative view of the bears. The installation of such huts in the park allows the owner to gain additional income from visitors and to emphasize the protection of wildlife.

The huts are housed in orchards where you can observe various wildlife, including brown bears, bezoar ibex, wild boar, foxes and hares.