ArmInfo.23 residents of settlements near the Amulsar field, through an independent IPAM accountability mechanism, appealed to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to withdraw from the Amulsar project. The statement was joined by the international network CEE BankWatch, NGO “Ekolur”, NGO “Forest of Armenia”, NGO “Green Armenia” and the civic initiative “Armenian Environmental Front”.
In a statement, in particular, a call was made for IPAM to initiate checks on compliance of the Amulsar program with the social and environmental policy of EBRD. It is indicated that Lydian International, with the help of the former Government of the Republic of Armenia and the financial assistance of EBRD, did not apply the best international standards in assessing the impact of the program, as well as taking into account the opinions of adjacent communities. In addition, during the implementation of the program, Lydian International failed to properly protect the natural resources and economy of Jermuk, as well as the health of the local population.
In this regard, the authors of the statement urge the EBRD to withdraw from the Amulsar program, which, they said, will be a crucial step in meeting the requirements of the social and environmental policy approved by the bank. Among the requirements are ensuring environmental and social impact assessments; resource efficiency and pollution prevention; protecting the health of the local population; biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources; stakeholder engagement and restore justice for the Jermuk population.
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