With the support of Ucom, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values (FPWC) has installed two autonomous (off-grid) solar stations in Gnishik, which will ensure the uninterrupted and round-the-clock operation of wildlife monitoring cameras.
This solution will allow FPWC specialists to continuously monitor the movements and behaviors of wild animals, study the migratory paths of endangered species, and strengthen control over the prevention of poaching and forest fires. Autonomous solar stations are especially important for ensuring the stable operation of monitoring systems in remote and non-electrified areas. Thanks to them, the cameras will be able to collect data around the clock, regardless of centralized power supply.
“Modern technologies can create real value not only in people's daily lives but also in the conservation of nature. This project in Gnishik demonstrates how to combine communication and renewable energy solutions to create round-the-clock and reliable monitoring systems in remote areas. It is important for Ucom to support initiatives that have a long-term environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of Armenia's biodiversity,” said Ucom's CEO Ralph Yirikian.
The use of solar energy simultaneously reduces dependence on traditional energy sources and allows for more sustainable and nature-friendly technological approaches to addressing environmental issues.
“Wildlife conservation in the modern world is unimaginable without the combination of advanced technologies and renewable energy. The installation of autonomous solar stations in Gnishik elevates our monitoring efforts to a new qualitative level: we receive an uninterrupted flow of data around the clock even from the most remote areas not connected to the power grid. This allows not only effective prevention of poaching and fires but also deep scientific studies of the movements of endangered species,” said Ruben Khachatryan, founder and director of the FPWC.
The collaboration between Ucom and FPWC is ongoing and aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of monitoring protected areas. In previous phases of cooperation, Ucom supported the foundation's thermal camera systems with high-quality internet connectivity, allowing specialists to receive, analyze, and utilize data transmitted from the sites in a timely manner.
The combination of technological and energy innovations allows for the creation of a more reliable wildlife conservation system, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response when necessary.
In the village of Gnishik, solar electric fencing has also been donated to families engaged in beekeeping to protect their hives from bears. The fence will cover about 1 hectare, helping four families safely keep their hives.
This solution is modern and safe for nature: when an animal touches it, the fence emits a weak electric signal that deters further attempts to approach without causing harm. The installation of “electric shepherds” is viewed as a short-term practical measure, while long-term programs continue, including the planting of tens of thousands of trees by Ucom, which will create forests and become a natural food source for wild animals in the future.
