United Nations office in Armenia launched an Environmental Week that started on June 17, the World Environment Day and lasted till June 17, the day of Combatting against Desertification and Droughts. Exhibitions, presentations of the projects of various NGO's and other events were organized within the framework of this initiative.
   On June 10 a presentation on "Youth Ecotourism in Armenia" was held at the United Nations office in Armenia. The presentation was co-organized by UN Armenia office and ""Burg" Youth Environmental Center" NGO.
   Head of UN Department of Public Information Valeri Tkachuk, head of UNDP projects Anahit Simonyan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Lilit Asatryan, representatives from various NGO's and journalists attended the presentation.
    In his opening remarks Valeri Tkachuk welcomed the initiative and activeness of the youth in the sphere of environmental protection.
   Lilit Asatryan stated that Armenia is really facing some serious environmental problems and the young people and youth NGO's have a lot to do in this sphere. She noted that such initiatives must be organized more often and expressed her willingness to support any similar initiatives.
   Anahit Simonyan noted that the young people in Armenia have an important mission today - they set an example by their behavior of how people should treat nature and protect the environment.
    Chairman of ""Burg" Youth Environmental Center" NGO Arman Vermishyan noted that ecotourism is the mechanism that can help develop the local economies in the regions and protect the environment.
   The prospects of developing youth ecotourism were presented. Among the projects implemented in the past ecotours in Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Kotayk and Tavush regions were presented. During these ecotours seminars were organized, information booklets were handed out, the surroundings of natural and historical-cultural monuments were cleaned up and other activities were carried out. Several proposals were made and the main issues connected with promoting ecotourism were discussed at the presentation.

    By Gayaneh Tonoyan