Armenian environmentalists call for active efforts to protest mining plan

tert.am
12:45 – 28.05.12

The environmental groups campaigning for the protection of the Trchkan
Waterfall (Syunik region) and the Teghut Forest (Lori region) have
issued a statement, informing the population of public hearings
devoted to the exploration of a gold mine in the Tsav village.

The activists call upon the residents of Syunik to protest against
mining activities in Armenia’s southern forestland.

The authors of the statement note that they came to know of the mining
plan from the mass media and the Nature Protection Ministry’s official
website.

`We regret to note that the hasty elaboration of such mining projects,
the inappropriate and fictitious organization of public hearings and
the persistent policies posing irretrievable hazards to Armenia’s
environment and the population’s health are continuing, without any
knowledge of their disastrous impact,’ reads the statement.

The activists find the plan surprising, considering especially the
region’s sensitive ecosystem, as well as its national and
international significance

The further refer to the German Development Bank’s 8.25 million worth
grant program aimed at creating an ecosphere in Armenia’s south.

The activists say that the program, approved by the Armenian
Government, is expected to promote sustainable economic development
and create new agricultural potentials in 12 communities of the
region, as well as boost investments for strengthening local
governance.

`This program is of a unique significance as it is aimed at creating a
UNESCO-protected reserve on the territory of Armenia. This program and
the protected areas in the neighborhood (the Shikahogh reserve, the
national park Arevik, the future preserve of Khustup) are incompatible
with the plan to operate a gold mine [on the territory]. It is also
inadmissible to jeopardize the Ecosphere Program with this kind of
attempt,’ the activists say further.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress