EcoLur
The representatives of tourism categorically oppose to mine development in Tsaghkadzor-Mehgradzor-Hanqavan resort zone. As it’s known, Nature Protection Ministry has been submitted projects on the construction of a cyanic plant in Mehgradzor and development of Tezhsar nepheline-syenite mine. “Healthy Hrazdan” initiative group member Movses Manukyan speaks about investments and risks. “The government is proposed to make mining industry the driving force of our economy. This program doesn’t stand any criticism. For example, when we spoke with peasants about Hanqavan copper and molybdenum mine, one of them told us, “It doesn’t matter whether I will die now from starvation or later from diseases. We all know the country is in a hard social state, especially in rural areas. What turns out? Our land can feed our people, but it was privatized without any serious program and the peasants were condemned to doing nothing… Tourism development is much talked about. You can find 50-60 underconstructed buildings only in the area of Hanqavan. But nothing has been accomplished and now they are in the process of destruction. What are they waiting for, a magic stick, that somebody will come and buy them? Here the government is to make proposals, but no proposals so far.”
The most inhuman thing is the distribution of incomes in mining industry. Each investment of one million ensures 50 working places and that’s it, while the whole profit is pocketed by 1-2 owners. The distribution of incomes in tourism is conducted is such a way, as as many people could benefit, including rural area residents. Tourism development ensures supply of new technologies on the internet. Via the satellite you can see Tsaghkadzor, its map, the whole information can be collected, where to go and what is there…If they see on the map, that molybdenum, aluminum, iron is mined next to Tsaghkadzor, who will come here? Nobody and never…Who will assess losses? We will lose both the investments and working places. The government speaks about investments, but did they count how many people deal with construction? Only in Tsaghkadzor 4-5 large tourism buildings are in the process of construction right now, and their investments make up US million on average. People arrive here to admire our nature, while the nature in Tezhsar is amazing, you move so carefully in order not to harm any flower or grass. Can you hear how birds sing…People arrive here to listen to it…”
January 21, 2013 at 15:56