EcoLur
"Zangezour" Biospheric Complex was established in Syunik Region, Armenia in 2013. EcoLur had an interview with Karen Kirakosyan, Director of "Zangezour" Biospheric Complex SNCO, about 8.25 million Euros promised by KfW German Development Bank for establishing the complex, economic activities in the complex area and affected communities.
EcoLur: KfW German Development Bank promised to allot 8 million Euros to the biospheric complex. Whether these funds will include the implementation of social programs for the communities for the complex-affected communities?
Karen Kirakosyan: Most of these funds will be directed for this purpose.
EcoLur: What kind of programs shall be implemented and in which communities?
Karen Kirakosyan: The large project of KfW Bank is still in formation process. Projects continuously change and haven’t been finalized yet.
EcoLur: Have funds already been transferred?
Karen Kirakosyan: Sure, no.
EcoLur: Where these 8 million Euros will be transferred?
Karen Kirakosyan: to a private company, which will implement this project.
EcoLur: What’s your position to the fact that business activities are carried out in the area of biospheric area - mining.
Karen Kirakosyan: no business activities are carried out in the area of "Zangezour" Biospheric Complex.
EcoLur: Meghrasar mine is partially included in “Arevik” National Park.
Karen Kirakosyan: Meghrasar mine is not included in “Arevik” National Park.
EcoLur: Mapping is still not accomplished, how do you know whether or not it includes?
Karen Kirakosyan: We are currently implementing mapping with GIS, but we clearly know our borders. We have accomplished land inventory and no license has been issued to a mine, the area of which includes a specially protected area.
EcoLur: You consider "Zangezour" Biospheric Complex to be a sustained body?
Karen Kirakosyan: Yes.
June 19, 2015 at 11:53