Regional Post met with Mareta Gevorkyan, the Founder of Green Rock Management Group, to discuss the company’s transformative projects in Dilijan and her vision for its sustainable future.
Photo : Green Rock Management Group
Let us speak about Green Rock Management Group. What are the key areas of the company’s activities?
- Green Rock Management Group is a global company that implements a range of large-scale business and social projects aimed at development. As a socially responsible business, Green Rock implements projects aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing social well-being, and promoting environmental development in Armenia. Armenia is open to innovative solutions, boasting tremendous potential for implementing projects of any magnitude.
Our activities aim to showcase a fresh image of Armenia to the world, revealing the country’s unfamiliar facets. We envision Armenia as a place where one desires to live, where visitors arrive with delight, and where individuals continually seek new impressions and perspectives.
What projects does the company implement in Dilijan, and what is their purpose?
- The main and most significant project is the construction of a multifunctional complex in Dilijan. The multifunctional complex, spanning approximately 43,000 m2, will blend cultural enrichment and entertainment, demonstrating exceptional hospitality. The complex will encompass a 180-room hotel and various business establishments, filling the existing gaps in the city (a shopping center, cinema, spa center, etc.). Additionally, it will feature a glass elevator leading to an observation deck, allowing both tourists and locals to enjoy the magnificent panorama of Dilijan. Our multifunctional complex will be instrumental in creating 300 new jobs in Dilijan, thereby generating new opportunities for both residents and visitors of the country. This initiative will also activate urban life and stimulate growth in the local labor market. We’ve initiated research efforts to restore Aghasi Khanjyan’s villa. Expert assessments are set to be finalized this autumn, at which point the future of the building will be determined. We’re renovating the brick house adjacent to Khanjian’s villa this year. We aim to transform the building into a unique entertainment center.
Recently, wooden corn kiosks located along the curves of Dilijan started operating. Tell us about this project. What other social projects has Green Rock implemented in Dilijan?
- In addition to the company’s business projects, we are implementing several social projects to enhance the overall image of Dilijan city. In December 2023, the only sports school in Dilijan reopened its doors. We fully renovated and refurbished it, fostering a sports culture and encouraging a healthy lifestyle in the city. At present, approximately 500 children participate in sports activities at the sports school. Launching environmentally friendly “Green Cab” cars also aims to enhance the city’s image. Adhering to the company’s principles of sustainable development, we have donated to Dilijan brand-new Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023 vehicles (hybrid vehicles use two types of energy: electric and thermal, significantly reducing CO2 emissions). The “Green Cab” launch in Dilijan aims to improve transportation for both local residents and visitors, enhancing mobility within the city and to other destinations.
Continuing our plans to enhance the city’s appearance, attractiveness, and quality of life, our next social project focused on improving the existing corn stalls. Considering the positive attitude of residents and visitors who enjoy tasting corn on the go, we partnered with the Dilijan municipality to upgrade the service conditions. We replaced the old booths with aesthetically pleasing and presentable options. As a result, we purchased and branded 25 wooden kiosks equipped with all the necessary facilities. These new kiosks replaced the existing corn stalls, offering visitors a more attractive and comfortable gastronomic experience when entering the city.
Why did you choose Dilijan as the destination for implementing your projects?
- We have selected Dilijan as the location to implement our ideas due to its unique cultural heritage, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and, of course, its breathtaking nature. Additionally, Dilijan holds a special place in my heart as it is my hometown, and I cherish many fond memories of this city. Our projects in Dilijan are based on the city’s natural beauty and cultural values and on promoting the community’s development and improvement.
Green Rock positions itself as a company committed to the principles of sustainable development. How do you ensure the sustainability and environmental protection of your projects?
- At Green Rock Management Group, we firmly uphold the principles of sustainable development. Within the scope of our projects, we pay primary attention to the ecological consequences and strive to minimize the consumption of energy and resources.
As an example, two members of our team currently pass EDGE certification, highlighting our dedication to environmental preservation. EDGE, the innovation developed by the International Finance Corporation, advocates for constructing resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings. Currently, Armenia has only one certified EDGE specialist, emphasizing the demand for more professionals among us to attain this certification and contribute to sustainable development within their professional fields. By obtaining EDGE certification, our team members will become EDGE professionals and disseminate this expertise in Armenia, advancing sustainable construction practices across the country.
At Green Rock Management Group, 68% of employees are women, and a significant portion of the management team is comprised of women. How did you ensure equal working conditions?
- Green Rock Management Group has become a member of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) program, joining 20 companies operating in Armenia. Through this initiative, we emphasize our commitment to promoting gender equality within our organization and beyond. We adhere closely to the principles outlined by WEPs and actively contribute to advancing gender equality and inclusiveness in Armenia. Some examples highlight our success story. For instance, Katerina Danekina, who began as a Project Manager, has been promoted to the Head of Dilijan projects due to her professionalism and dedication. Following the renovation of the sports school in Dilijan, we initiated the establishment of a gymnastics club. Previously, the school primarily focused on strength sports, attracting only boys. Presently, 27 girls are actively participating in gymnastics at the Dilijan Sports School.
What projects does Green Rock plan to implement in the future?
- We plan to organize a series of educational, cultural, and sporting events in Dilijan to activate urban life. For instance, Dilijan will host a puppet theater twice a month, presenting performances for children aged 2 to 8. Additionally, free English language courses will be offered to the youngest residents of Dilijan. We aim to execute this program with the participation of English teachers from Dilijan. Training courses will be conducted for them at prestigious educational centers in Yerevan if necessary. Additionally, we will organize mental arithmetic courses, sessions with leading experts in diverse fields, professional orientation events, and outdoor yoga classes for both residents and visitors of the city.
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