In 2026, one of the key oversight priorities of the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body will be the field of biodiversity conservation. This is linked to the hosting of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), which will take place in Yerevan in October. In this context, particular attention will be given to oversight in the areas of mining activities, water resources, and land protection. This was stated by the Head of the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body, Hovhannes Martirosyan, during a press conference held on 20 January. He emphasized that the Republic of Armenia must be properly prepared for COP17, which is expected to bring together delegations from more than 190 countries, and noted that the Inspection Body has already begun the necessary preparatory work.
In 2026, the Inspection Body plans to conduct 220 scheduled inspections and implement 17 targeted measures.
Referring to violations recorded in the biodiversity sector in 2025, the Head of the Inspection Body stated: “In 2025, a total of 1,264 violations were recorded, mainly related to the protection of flora (1,066 cases). At the same time, a positive trend has been observed in the number of illegal logging cases. While 13,013 illegally cut trees were recorded in 2024, this figure decreased to 11,852 in 2025. Moreover, we have observed a declining trend over the period from 2022 to 2025 inclusive, which reflects a consistent positive dynamic.”
The Inspection Body acquired laser scanning systems last year. “This technology can be used in forest monitoring. For example, within a notional area of 200 hectares, it is possible in a very short time to determine how many trees are present, the thickness of their trunks, and the characteristics of their canopy. We will begin applying this technology this year. We have also expanded our fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles,” he noted.
In 2025, 16 cases of illegal hunting were recorded, and 13 hunting firearms were confiscated. In relation to illegal fishing of whitefish (sig), 57 cases were recorded, of which 47 are subject to administrative proceedings. In 10 cases, reports were submitted and criminal proceedings were initiated. Approximately 2,200 kilograms of illegally caught whitefish were seized. The calculated damage amounted to AMD 3 million 900 thousand. According to the Head of the Inspection Body, 25 watercraft and 298 fishing nets were also confiscated.
In 2025, inspections were carried out to assess the conditions and permits for keeping wild animals in captivity and semi-captivity by both individuals and legal entities. A total of 281 wild animals representing 56 species were identified as being kept in captivity. “A process has been initiated to remove these animals from individuals and legal entities that lack the required permits and to place them in more suitable conditions. In particular, Transcaucasian brown bears listed in the Red Book have already been relocated to safe locations,” Hovhannes Martirosyan stated. According to him, these activities are being carried out within the framework of preparations for COP17.
January 30, 2026 at 12:17