In order to identify the existing social, economic and environmental problems in Martuni enlarged community, Gegharkunik Region, and to clarify the directions of their solution, it is planned to develop a socio-ecological policy of the community. For this purpose, the members of "Social and Ecological Consortium” met with the representatives of the residents, the local self-government body in Martuni and Verin Getashen in January 2022.
Within the framework of "Social and Ecological Responsibility" project, the representatives of consortium member "EcoLur" and "Martuni Women's Community Council" NGOs discussed with the participants the concept of Data-collection tool for measuring environmental and social policy". Project expert, PhD in Chemical Sciences Roza Julhakyan explained how the collection of the database necessary for the development of social-environmental policy should be carried out by the local assets.
"There are 6-7 non-metallic mines and 6 SHPPs in Martuni. The latter generate a large amount of electricity every year, which can be used for the socio-economic development of the community. Non-metallic mine companies should have included some component of socio-economic support for the affected community in their soil management contracts, but they did not. It is also possible to use the environmental taxes paid by non-metallic mining companies in the community to address the community's environmental problems by later including those companies in the list of organizations covered by the law,” she mentioned.
Roza Julhakyan noted that the small amount of financial inflows, which should be aimed at solving environmental or social problems, are directed to completely different spheres.
Anahit Gevorgyan, President of Martuni Women's Community Council NGO, noted that the choice of Verin Getashen settlement is conditioned by the need to eliminate or mitigate the negative consequences of the hydropower sector. "Verin Getashen is under the impact of "Argitchi" SHPP. Not only the lands of the settlement are taken, but also the accidents that take place every year are a big risk. All this leads to problems with the uprising of the local population," she mentioned. Anahit Gevorgyan noted that "Argitchi" SHPP, working for many years, thus making a profit and using the community's water and land resources, did not provide any support to the community.
"The strategy will allow to use the money imported into the community budget to reduce environmental risks, which will have a positive impact on reducing economic problems in the community, raising public awareness, will allow the residents to protect their rights," she said.
“Social and Ecological Responsibility” project is carried out by the NGOs involved in "Social-Ecological Consortium” - “Center for Community Mobilization and Support”, “Martuni Women’s Community Council”, “New Horizons”, “EcoLur” and “Forests of Armenia” NGOs within the frameworks of The Data for Accountable and Transparent Action (DATA) project.
The Data for Accountable and Transparent Action (DATA) project is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of DATA Project are the sole responsibility of “Center for Community Mobilization and Support” NGO and project partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, EPF, and DATA Consortium.
February 02, 2022 at 16:03