This article is the latest in the series “Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)”. The series is implemented within the framework of the “Strong Civil Society” program with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The series aims to study and present effective models for CSO financing, raise public awareness about this issue, and contribute to civil society development in Armenia.

Satik Badeyan, president of the “Regional Development and Research Center” NGO, notes that two major issues formed the basis for creating the NGO: the ecologically catastrophic state of Lake Sevan and the deepening poverty and severe socio-economic situation of coastal communities.

“In reality, these two issues are closely connected, because Sevan is the main source of income for residents of that region, especially the coastal area. As the lake’s ecological condition worsened, incomes decreased, which led to increased ‘attacks’ on the lake,” she noted.

According to the NGO president, the organization’s goal has been to solve these two main issues.

“The lake was shrinking before our eyes due to additional water extraction. Our activities became more specific,” added Satik Badeyan.

According to her, the organization faces financial sustainability issues, which also leads to resource and personnel outflow.

This informational material/article was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Armenian Lawyers Association NGO, sub-grantee of Counterpart International, and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government or Counterpart International.

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