EcoLur
The program on establishing Zangezour biospheric complex left as inheritance from Ex Nature Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan to the current Ministry staff can't be still determined either in its geography, or regime or the frames of its own competences. The government adopted a resolution 1465-N on establishing Zangezour biospheric complex dated on 19 December 2013, i.e. one year ago. As a result, Arevik National Park, Shikahogh State Reserve and a number of nature sanctuaries under one protected area unit making it one of the region’s largest protected areas – 60,000 ha.
The negative consequences of such decision are already obvious: First of all, 'Shikahogh' reserve, which is characterized by its unique biodiversity. Earlier the funds of the international donor organization used to be provided for its ehancement and further development. How these funds will be spent, if it turns into one of the sections of Zangezour comples, is unclear.
So far the borders of the comples has't been approved, which means that, in practice, it's impossible to stop any activities contradicting to the preservation of this complex and violating its regime: no borders - no ban.
This fact already emerged at the hearings of Meghrasar gold mine development, which partially includes the borders of Arevik National Park. The national park has its own borders determined during its establishment, while Zangezour biospheric complex, which includes this national park, doesn't have any specified borders.
It should be mentioned that the decision os establishing Zangezour biospheric complex has been significantly supported by German KfW Bank, which is supposed to grant 8.2 million Euros for its development. Nevertheless, funds haven't been transferred yet.
November 27, 2014 at 14:43