Promoting Sustainable Resource Use Among Local Communities Near Protected Areas in Southern Armenia
The Fund for Biodiversity Conservation of the Armenian Highlands (FBCAH) will provide small grants for local communities to implement model sustainable use projects. FBCAH support will engage six communities around protected areas in southern Armenia in activities benefiting local economic development and enhancing protected areas management effectiveness in the Syunik region.

Promoting Sustainable Forest Management within the Support/Buffer Zone of the Mtirala National Park
Establish effective management in the buffer zone around the newly declared Mtirala National Park in the Republic of Georgia. The buffer zone area is 35,000 hectares, 20,000 hectares of which is forest important for globally threatened species. The CEPF investment will complement support from the Government of Norway to the Government of Georgia and WWF, which will establish an effective management regime within this newly established park.

Evaluation and Implementation of Sustainable Forestry Models in Northern Armenia
Evaluate the current status of the forest in the project site, develop a strategy on sustainable forestry practice, carry out a training program on sustainable forestry and a pilot program based on sustainable forestry principles, and provide training and projects for local stakeholders on alternative income-generating activities.

Training for Conservation - Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Training Program in the Turkish Caucasus
Adapt and develop training materials on biodiversity assessment and monitoring techniques for protected area management. The course will be adapted from the Smithsonian Institution’s internationally respected Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment Course and will be tailor-made for the forest and alpine regions of the West Lesser Caucasus Corridor.

Integrated River Basin Management in the Turkish West Lesser Caucasus
Promote sustainable resource use through integrated river basin management in the Firtina Valley and the Turkish part of the West Lesser Caucasus. Priorities include reducing resource use pressure on the Kackar Mountains National Park and building new partnerships for improved management of these resources.

Model Project on Sustainable Forestry and Introduction of Alternative Energy Sources for Saving Habitats of CEPF Priority Species
Produce briquettes from sawdust and replace the use of forests for heating purposes. Creating this small enterprise producing wooden briquettes will generate income for the local community, make them less dependent on natural resources, and reduce pollution.

Equator Ventures
Support the pilot phase of Equator Ventures, a partnership initiative with UNDP's Equator Initiative. Implement loan and technical assistance packages to small- to medium-sized enterprises benefiting biodiversity and local communities, and monitor biodiversity results.