EcoLur
The stakeholders are studying ‘Strategy for developing specially protected areas of nature in the Republic of Armenia and national action plan’, where the establishment of ‘Jermuk’ national park is included upon WWF Armenia’s proposal.
In his interview with EcoLur WWF Armenia Director Karen Manvelyan listed the red-listed species in the potential territory of ‘Jermuk’ national park. ‘Chamois, bezoar goat, leopard, there are also endangered bird species, for example, Egyptian vulture. Vipera raddei, which is red-listed in Armenia, and a number of other species are available there. The area is rich in wild pear trees, as well as the area has a number of red-listed plant species. In total, there are around 50 red-listed animal species and 40-50 plant species,’ said Karen Manvelyan and added that 22 endangered species are available in the area of Amulsar mine.
In reply to the question whether Amulsar mine territory may be included in the zone of future ‘Jermuk’ national park, Karen Manvelyan said, ‘As Amulsar mine territory is rented by Lydian International company, its inclusion into ‘Jermuk’ national park is almost impossible. Only in one case it’s feasible, if the state applies RA Law “On Alienation of Land Areas for Public and State Needs”.’
In reply to the question what will happen, if the mine territory is not included into ‘Jermuk’ national park and the mine is developed, Karen Manvelyan said, ‘Small species will get extinct, the brown bear will leave Armenia, the chamois will also leave our places, snakes will get under heavy machinery, raptors will also fly away, while red-listed Potentilla porphyrantha plant species will also get extinct,’ Karen Manvelyan said and added, even if Amulsar mine is located in the buffer zone o the national park, it can’t be developed as an open mine, while endangered species can’t be taken to other areas, “Let’s say that plants can be taken to other places, what about animals? Small animals, like snakes, mice etc will get under heavy machinery,” Karen Manvelyan said.
May 27, 2014 at 11:49