Reconcile with nature for the future of humanity. The SunChild 10th International Environmental Festival continues to pursue its mission

The methods of raising environmental issues and combating them are different, while the aim is the same and vital. Living in harmony with nature is in the interests of humanity, it is necessary for future generations. Since 2007, the SunChild International Environmental Festival and Viva-MTS, have chosen the approach of raising awareness on environmental issues through culture.

The launch of the festival, which is the only one of its kind in the whole region, was announced years ago with an animal masquerade parade. And the end of each festival has always been symbolic, as the formation of environmental thinking and eco-education among the youth is an ongoing process.

The current 10th SunChild festival is organized online due to the global pandemic. Organizational methods have changed, but the principles have been preserved. There is a belief that ecological education and systematic work will have a long-term impact. And that problems can be overcome if there is a desire to recognize and prevent them.

30 environmental films were chosen to be screened within the 10th SunChild International Environmental Festival: most of the films have Armenian subtitles. The films are gathered from all over the world and will be available from14 to 18 of November on the website sunchild.am. They address important environmental issues, raising awareness of nature conservation among different groups of society.

“Nature has self-regulatory mechanisms. But it should not be abused. The constant consumption approach and unnecessary human intervention can have irreversible consequences․ Careless fires can wipe out huge acres of forest in a matter of minutes. It is a loss of both trees and oxygen, full of possible disturbances in the ecosystem. Years ago, when we started to support the creation of environmental eco-clubs and educational centers, the goal was to develop environmental thinking among youth. I think we have succeeded to some extent. The eco-education campaign must be continued for the  coming generations as well. I wish this festival will have great success,”- mentioned the General Manager of Viva-MTS via video call. 

Within the framework of the festival, the organizers tried to draw public attention to wildlife, ecology, and raise the level of environmental  awareness of people. The target groups included different strata, from teenagers to the business community.

“Out future has to be green! By infusing the idea of merging art and nature to the young generation, we have already given the public a few generations who truly love the planet and support the nature they are surrounded by. I believe, that the SunChild International Environmental Festival will have a long run and will result in a wishful change we all need! Only with a decent environmental education and awareness, we make our conservation work successful,”- The Founder of the SunChild IEF and Director of the FPWC, Ruben Khachatryan said in his speech.

The SunChild 10th International Environmental festival has 4 film nominations:

-         The Best Wildfire Prevention Film

-         The Best Wildlife Preservation Film

-         The Best Environmental Film

-         The Bes Educational Film

*Facing biodiversity loss and growing climate change caused emergencies, UN General Assembly proclaimed 2021-2030 - a decade of ecosystem restoration. The topic of the official launch of the 10th SunChild festival will be the restoration of the fragile ecosystems.

About FPWC

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) was founded in Y2002. FPWC is a member organization of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since Y2012.

FPWC’s mission is to publicize the unique natural heritage of Armenia and the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental issues and the importance of preserving nature. We aim to reduce human and wildlife conflict and its consequences to reduce the risks of endangered species of flora and fauna.

Biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community development and public awareness are the main directions of our activities.

About SunChild IEF

The Festival screens wildlife and environmental films from all over the world and hosts workshops, exhibitions and media campaigns designed to foster a culture of environmental stewardship. During the 15 years of the festival’s existence, more than 700 films from 150 countries around the world have been screened. The SunChild International Environmental Festival is the first and only of its kind in the South Caucasus region.

The Festival takes place in autumn, but it also hosts screenings and workshops year round throughout Armenia for youth. This provides a space for youth to understand and engage environmental issues in order to find local solutions.

SunChild International Environmental Festival has been organized since 2007 by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people at heart since its launch on 1st July 2005 and in a short period of time Viva-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. Viva-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market.  The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility), ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 37001 (International anti-bribery management systems standard).

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 86 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since June Y2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at: www.mtsgsm.com