Samvel Shahinyan: Caves must not be used as business objects (video)
Chairman of the Speleological Center of Armenia Samvel Shahinyan proposes to develop a comprehensive program to create infrastructures near caves. The proceeds of activity will go to the preservation of caves. “If the government wants to have gains, then they should develop these infrastructures to be able to meet the needs of visitors. We must use caves as monuments and use the nearby objects for business purposes,” he said. Samvel Shahinyan says the document offered by the Ministry of Culture is rather complicated. “The Ministry wants to use the caves as income-producing properties,” he said adding that caves must be used only for research purposes as ancient sites and monuments. Earlier in April, the Ministry of Culture launched a contest of leasing four caves and a cave group for 5 years for the purpose of tourism. The five caves have been granted the status of immovable monument of history and culture. They are Magelan's Cave, Trchuneri (Birds') Cave, Archi or Bear’s Cave, the Cave of Mozrov and Stone doors cave.
