Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for an end to illegal logging in Armenia, emphasizing that forests should be seen as a source of long-term national wealth rather than short-term exploitation.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the launch of the Eco-Patrol Service’s Tavush regional division on Saturday, Pashinyan stressed the need to change public attitudes toward forests.

He noted that in some communities in the Tavush region, tourism based on surrounding forests has already created new business opportunities, generating higher revenues.

“Therefore, our forests are a great asset that belongs to the people, to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. We should not squander this capital, but instead use it in a way that brings increasing income to people, while it remains not only intact but also grows and develops,” Pashinyan said, also underscoring environmental and public health considerations.

The prime minister added that the Eco-Patrol Service, operating with new equipment and a modern approach, will be at the forefront of efforts to protect, develop, and pass on natural resources to future generations.

“This will all be meaningless if there is no real substance behind it, no real service, and no deep understanding of how important the work being done is. We must fully achieve our goal, and illegal logging must be brought to an end,” the prime minister said, adding that the launch of the service would be pointless unless this issue is clearly defined and addressed.