"Ecological Transformation of Mining Areas in Armenia" project held meetings with local residents in Syunik Region from December 11-13, during which the possibilities of green transformation were discussed.
The project is implemented by "Arnika" Czech organization, "Center for Community Consolidation and Support" and "EcoLur" Informational NGOs with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Kapan City
Gregory Malyukov, "Arnika" Project Coordinator in Armenia, presented the mission of "Arnika" organization, its projects implemented in Armenia, their objectives, as well as international experience in the fields of environmental protection and human rights. "We not only conduct studies but also support communities by providing them with specific tools and assisting in environmental monitoring. We work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thailand, Moldova, Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine, and other countries. International cooperation and partnership with activists and experts from different countries are very important to us," Gregory Malyukov outlined.
Gregory Malyukov
Arnika has been operating in Armenia for about 15 years. Toxics expert Nikola Jelinek said: “We have studied 5 industrial areas in Armenia and found high concentrations of heavy metals in all of them. We need to reduce the risk to human health as much as possible.”
Nikola Jelinek
“The results of that examination in Lori have brought some improvement. Companies are trying to introduce technologies, respond to problems more quickly. This process has also led to the empowerment of local communities, and a certain dialogue with business has begun,” Oleg Dulgaryan, "Center for Community Consolidation and Support" NGO, outlined.
Oleg Dulgaryan
The residents of Kapan Community spoke about environmental pollution and people's health. Chemistry teacher Varduhi Ohanjanyan noted that soil and water testing was carried out by “Center for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring” POAC and American University of Armenia. The surroundings of some schools and kindergartens were found to be contaminated with heavy metals. “We need to keep schools pollution-free,” Varduhi Ohanjanyan outlined.
Varduhi Ohanjanyan
Spartak Harutyunyan, a member of Kapan Council and Head of “Future of Artsvanik” Environmental NGO, presented the concerns of Artsvanik settlement residents related to Artsvanik tailings dump expansion project.
Spartak Harutyunyan
Residents are also concerned about acid water flowing from the abandoned mines in Kawart, and empty rocks in the community.
"The community's alternative sustainable, 'green' development program should be developed, and environmental, social, health, and economic needs should be implemented with all groups. Mining is not eternal; people should have an alternative," Oleg Dulgaryan outlined.
Annie Sargsyan, a representative of Kapan Civil Youth Center, presented the local experience: "It is important to develop a green economy in our communities that will generate income for people."
Annie Sargsyan
January 22, 2025 at 15:24