Miassine
Located in Shirak, in northwestern Armenia, Lake Arpi is a little-known natural gem. With its alpine landscapes, rare species, and harsh climate, it has immense potential to become a hub for sustainable ecotourism.
But the region remains fragile: high unemployment, massive rural exodus, and almost non-existent tourism infrastructure. In this context, Miassine has launched an ambitious project to develop Lake Arpi in a sustainable and solidarity-based way, inspired by Iceland’s success.
A comprehensive project to revitalize the region
Our goal is clear: to create a model of local, sustainable ecotourism, driven by the community itself.
To achieve this, Miassine works on several fronts: vocational training, eco-friendly infrastructure, creation of tourism services adapted to visitors, and promotion of local traditions.
Through this project, the foundation seeks to boost the rural economy, prevent youth migration, and reduce the social and ecological divide affecting the Shirak region.
The project’s main pillars
Miassine’s action is structured around 7 key area:
- Community mobilization: awareness workshops on ecotourism for over 250 residents.
- Ecotourism infrastructure: renovation of 20 rural homes and construction of 5 eco-lodges powered by renewable energy.
- Professional training: support for 50 young people and women in hospitality, tourism, and handicrafts.
- Nature activities: hiking, skiing, kayaking, birdwatching, ice skating.
- Local economic development: creation of a community center for equipment rental, sale of handicrafts, and tourist information.
- Environmental protection: waste sorting, composting, use of renewable energy, and ecological awareness campaigns.
- Local governance: establishment of a community association to sustainably manage tourism activities.
An eco-responsible and circular approach
Ecotourism at Lake Arpi will be based on circular economy principles.
Organic waste will be turned into compost to enrich farmland. Recycled materials will be used to create handicrafts for visitors. Water refill stations and reusable utensils will replace single-use plastics, while solar panels will power eco-lodges and community centers.
The project also includes sustainable cooking workshops using traditional clay ovens (tonirs), teaching visitors about local culture while minimizing environmental impact.
Expected impact by 2028
In the next five years, Miassine aims for concrete results:
- 25 eco-friendly accommodations open (20 guesthouses + 5 eco-lodges)
- 8 year-round nature activities available
- 8,000 visitors per year, compared to fewer than 1,000 today
- 50 young people and women trained and integrated into the local economy
- Development of a cluster around handicrafts and agrotourism
- Sustainable protection of the park’s biodiversity
- Increased community awareness of ecological issues
A project aligned with Armenia’s future
Miassine’s initiative fits into a larger context: in 2026, Armenia will host COP17 on biodiversity, offering international visibility to exemplary local initiatives.
The Lake Arpi project could become a model for the entire region, proving that economic development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
By relying on local cooperation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable innovation, Miassine shows that another development model is possible—fairer, more human, and more resilient.
Lake Arpi thus becomes a symbol: that of an Armenia rising through its own strength, and inviting everyone to contribute.