The Bureau of "Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Environment" (Bern Convention) once again proposes to RA government to stop any development that may negatively affect the habitats and species protected by the Bern Convention, regardless of the fact whether or not they are included in the Emerald Network areas.
The issue of the protection of habitats and species of Armenia was discussed at the meeting held in April 2022 of the Bern Convention Bureau, based on the complaint filed to the Secretariat of the Berne Convention in 2020 by "EcoLur" Informational NGO, "Forests of Armenia", "Green Armenia" NGOs and the CEE Bankwatch Network represented by the independent expert on biodiversity Andrey Ralph. The complaint shows how RA government has ignored the significant impacts on the flora and fauna of the three Emerald Candidate Areas of Special Environmental Interest (SEI) of the Amulsar gold mine project in Jermuk, Gorhayq and Lake Sevan.
Once again, the Bureau expressed its concern at the expected large reduction in size of Emerald Network coverage in Armenia and again urged the authorities to clarify when the revised list would likely be ready and submitted to the Secretariat.
The Bureau also noted, however, the concerns of the complainant, namely the lack of transparency and participation of NGOs and experts in the revision of the Emerald Network, the need for a new environmental and social impact assessment of the Amulsar gold mine project, as well as the need to establish the Jermuk National Park which should include all areas of the Amulsar gold mine project.
The Bureau reiterated its recommendation to halt any developments that could negatively affect the habitats and species protected under the Convention, whether it pertains to an Emerald Network site or not. The Bureau further reiterated its request for the results of the conducted assessments showing that the project would not bring any negative impacts on species and habitats.
Noting with concern the deficiencies in the environmental impact assessment and the lack of involvement of NGOs and experts, the Bureau requested the authorities to clarify how those deficiencies had been approached.
The case remained on stand-by. Both parties were invited to submit reports for the Bureau meeting in Spring 2023.
December 13, 2022 at 13:39