August - September 2021

Partners:

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)

Environment Group

Environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)’s proposed project for an ELP Landscape Restoration Grant:

Environment Group aided this project by preparing the preliminary environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)’s Sevan ecosystem project. Supporting FPWc, our experts prepared a grant proposal under the Endangered Landscapes Programme (ELP) by conducting preliminary environmental and socio-economic impact assessments. The project aimed at large- scale landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable community development in Armenia’s biodiversity-rich areas.

What we delivered:

• Environment Group identified potential positive and adverse environmental impacts of the proposed restoration activities, including effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, water resources, soil health and climate resilience.

• Conducted socio-economic impact analysis through evaluating potential benefits and trade-offs for local communities, including improved livelihoods through eco- tourism, sustainable agriculture, and restoration-related jobs.

• Collected and analysed baseline ecological and socio-economic data to provide a reference point for project monitoring.

• Prepared methodological recommendations for applying internationally accepted frameworks such as IFC Performance Standards, IUCN guidelines for restoration, and ELP/ Arcadia Foundation requirements.

• Integrated stakeholder perspectives into the impact analysis  to ensure inclusiveness and ownership by preparing and conducting preliminary consultations with local communities, municipalities and conservation actors to identify concerns, expectations and potential ancillary benefits of the restoration projects.