

Within the framework of “Ecological Transformation of Mining Areas in Armenia” project, the possibilities of ecological transformation of settlements affected by the mining industry are being studied. The project is implemented by “Arnika” Czech organization, “Center for Community Mobilizaiton and Support” and “EcoLur” Informational NGOs with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
“Our main motivation is the European Union's “Critical Raw Materials” legal act, which aims to reduce the demand for raw materials and increase the dose of its processing. We want to take this agenda to other countries also in the context of green transformation. The Czech Republic is a bridge for the exchange of European experience. In the Czech Republic, our goal is green transformation of mining areas, and we want to transfer our experience to Armenia,” Gregori Malyukov, Armenian Coordinator of Arnika's projects, outlined.
He explained that coal has been mined here for more than 200 years. Forests have been cut down, water sources have changed their courses, and air quality has deteriorated. This has also affected the health of the local population, and the number of residents has decreased due to emigration. In 1991, the authorities decided to limit coal mining. In recent years, conflicts have intensified between the residents and the miners. A referendum was held to save the town because there was a risk of relocation. Seventy percent of the population participated in the referendum. Currently, efforts are being made to restore this small town.
“The Green Transformation Agenda is encouraged by members of civil society in partnership with international partners,” said Gregory Malyukov, also highlighting the importance of local population-civil society-business dialogue in this regard. “This dialogue can begin with the results of scientifically valid studies, these results are a bridge between these three groups,” noted Gregory Malyukov. He presented his experience of green transformation in the industrial city of Jejetina in Gorni, Czech Republic, where coal has been mined here for more than 200 years. Forests have been cut down, water sources have changed their courses, and air quality has deteriorated. This has also affected the health of the local population, and the number of residents has decreased due to emigration. In 1991, the authorities decided to limit coal mining. Currently, efforts are being made to restore this small town.
Green transformation can also become a new model of development for Armenian communities. President of “Center for Community Cohesion and Support” NGO Oleg Dulgaryan, speaking about the activities carried out in Lori and Syunik Regions, said: “In Lori region, the ways of green transformation, socio-ecological sustainable development of Sarahart and Gogaran, Alaverdi community and Shamlugh settlement were discussed with local residents and representatives of local self-government bodies. In Syunik region, meetings were held in Kapan, Meghri and Geghanush. The locals talked about the green economy, the prospects for sustainable development, for example, about organic agriculture, tourism, the development of alternative energy. It was important to develop socio-ecological policies for the communities, to create a favorable field for donor investment, so that they could build economies that would meet the needs of people who do not work in the mining sector.”
Local residents in Syunik Region have expressed concern that they are being targeted for raising environmental issues. “It is this targeting that concerns citizens, and they believe that a high level of awareness needs to be ensured so that people know about their rights, and most importantly, how to protect those rights,” Oleg Dulgaryan noted.
January 22, 2025 at 16:37