Viva-MTS: Hand in hand against desertification. the program to grow forest on the bald mountain kicks off

No country is able to override the potential risks of climate change, if it does not accept their existence to find a proper solution. In the outcome of this year’s partnership between Viva-MTS and “My Forest Armenia” environmental non-governmental organization, a forestation program has kicked off. In Armenia where only 11% of the country’s territory is covered in forests, organizing forestation and forest conservation is vitally important. Getting seedlings of endemic trees, nursing them and transplanting on the locale has been a purpose with long-lasting effect.

Planting 20 000 trees in autumn has been important for partner organizations. However, implementing plans into reality is a hard task in a hard to access mountainous location in the village of Jrashen in Armenia’s Lori region. Four-by-four vehicles are unable to reach the location; yet, reaching the slope by foot would require some skills. The group of volunteers from Viva-MTS formed upon the initiative of the partner organization. A six ha territory on the bald slope of the mountain will now home young tree transplants.

“I have planted my first tree 22 years ago, the day my son was born. That was a symbolic day and turned to be important in later years whenever I was participating in tree plantings. To live in a healthy, clean and safe environment we need to have personal contribution, avoiding being consumers alone. That contribution may take the shape of careful attitude, diligence, consistency, and devotion at work. Things that are done today have a long-running impact. I am happy to say that Viva-MTS is based on that understanding and devotion, which are part of its value system. I would also mention our subscribers, who appreciate our Company’s values and participate indirectly in this kind of programs,” Viva-MTS General Director Armen Avetisian said.

The information plaques with the names of organizations who have participated in tree planting initiative are part of the campaign to raise awareness on forestation matters. The plaques, along with the fenced lots define the areas, where the organizations have planted trees. Andre Gumuchdjian, the founder and the executive of “My Forest” organization underlines the importance of uniting those with green mindset and the new partnership formed with Viva-MTS.

“I am happy for this new cooperation with Viva-MTS. Understanding the importance to start a forest and taking steps in that direction are vital. It is not just about decreasing carbon emissions; it is about preserving water resources, as well. The 80% of water in our country comes from forests. Therefore, the message is clear. Armenia seems to be shaping green mindset, although it has not reached the much-anticipated levels, yet. People have to understand that forests are vital even if one lives in town. Climate change is there and it is hard to predict what to expect. That is why the sooner we begin taking steps the sooner we will see tangible results,” Andre Gumuchdjian says.

The jointly implemented program solves both environmental, and partially employment issues, by engaging the regional population. About 80% of the main staff of the organization are residents of Lori. Another 190 have joined them to participate in the autumn fieldworks. The planted trees will be taken care for within another 3-year period. That time is sufficient to make sure the plantings grow into a forest.

Viva-MTS, which has been implementing environmental programs in regions of Armenia for the last 17 years, has invested AMD 12.6 million into the project that is planting 20 000 trees this year.

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia's leading mobile operator with the most extensive network and provides a wide range of voice and data services throughout Armenia. Taking the basis of activity to serve the interests of its subscribers in the best way, since the day of establishment in 2005, July 1, Viva-MTS has been able to create a nationwide network and a large subscriber base in a short period of time. Viva-MTS is a leader in innovation and pursues all industry developments for the benefit of the country's mobile telecommunications market. Viva-MTS is guided in its activities by ISO 26000 - Social Responsibility, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 - Information Security Management System, as well as ISO 37001 - anti-corruption and bribery prevention international standards. For more information, visit www.mts.am

Mobile Telesystem JSC (MTS) is the largest telecommunications operator in Russia and the CIS countries. Together with subsidiaries, the organization serves over 88 million subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since June 2000, MTS shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MBT. For more information, visit www.mtsgsm.com