AURORA PRIZE

Armenia's Tavush Region, which borders Azerbaijan to the east and Georgia to the north, is one of the country’s greenest: the region is home to 40 percent of Armenia’s forests. With picturesque mountains, deep canyons, a soft climate and architectural monuments sprinkled throughout, the region is rightfully considered one of Armenia’s most beautiful landscapes.

 

Over 20 years ago, the region was drawn into the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which, unfortunately, continues to this day. Tavush, and especially the town of Berd (“fortress” in Armenian), are making more headlines due to shelling than their impressive alpine scenery. But life goes on for Tavush residents, who are establishing farms and industrial plants against the backdrop of the landscape’s breathtaking beauty.