Civilnet
By Olivia Lutz
In Martuni Village in Armenia's northwest, Nature Rooms—an enterprise of Nature Center Armenia—offers an eco-friendly guest house. Spearheaded by Satenik Khachatryan, Nature Rooms has become a beacon of hope, contributing to the economic growth and cultural preservation of this small and unassuming village.
By seamlessly blending sustainability, community development, and authentic experiences, Nature Rooms gives guests a chance to experience Armenia's natural beauty while prioritizing environmental responsibility. The initiative offers masterclasses by villagers, hosts festivals for both guests and locals, and offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine made with locally sourced food.
When asked about the motivation behind the program, Satenik Khachatryan says, "The main goal is to support poverty reduction, create economic opportunities, and provide a genuine space for people to experience true rest."
Her commitment to community development and creating a safe haven for visitors reflects a personal investment rather than a mere project.
Khachatryan's passion and devotion have resonated deeply with guests, as is depicted in a heartfelt comment on Instagram by a visitor: "When people are doing a project with soul, when you come here, you feel that soul, and this place is about soul." Khachatryan says this is what fuels her work.
Silent Tourism and Mindful Experiences
The need to prioritize sustainability has become crucial in the modern world, and those who find it important have found a remarkable ally in the form of silent tourism. Emphasizing tranquility, serenity, and a slower pace of exploration, silent tourism promotes sustainable and mindful experiences while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
Khachatryan incorporates these principles into Nature Rooms.
“When we were working on the architecture of the center, we wanted it to not stand out much but be harmonic with nature, as if it were kind of another plant or another tree that grew in the area,” she notes.
The use of plastic is limited in Nature Rooms. The space also hosts a rooftop garden and utilizes locally sourced food.
The initiative caters to small groups, ensuring visitors have ample time and space to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of the village, free from the pressures of a fast-paced world.
Martuni Village: A Place to Call Home
The village holds immense significance for Khachatryan, as it is her birthplace and childhood home. While studying in Europe, she gained a newfound appreciation for her village's natural beauty and the tight-knit community. Recognizing the abundance of resources and the potential for sustainable living, Khachatryan felt a strong desire to return and support her community's socioeconomic growth.
Nature Rooms actively engages with the local community, especially children, through various educational and cultural initiatives.
"We had an English club where we were not only teaching English but doing community activism as well." Additionally, My Agrisummer International Camp, launched in 2019, supports sustainable education and living by teaching self-sufficiency such as how to grow your own food.
These programs empower both local and diasporic youth, nurturing a sense of pride and encouraging them to pursue their own projects.
As the concept of silent tourism gains traction worldwide, Nature Rooms serves as a shining example of how mindful, sustainable experiences can uplift local economies and protect cultural heritage.
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