EcoLur
The public representatives in Syunik are opposing to conducting geoprospecting works in Khachaqar-Paravan polymetallic mine filed, as they expressed their approach during the discussions held at the Aarhus Center in Kapan on 26 May.
The geoprospecting works are planned to be carried out by “StoreTrans” Company, who makes Syunik residents aware of its intentions.
Nevertheless, instead of making these communities aware and holding public discussions at least in one of them, Kapan was selected, which is not a project impacted community. The representatives of “Zangezour” Biospehric Complex were also not invited to the hearings, where the works are planned to be carried out. Taking into consideration the aforementioned, Arshavir Khalapyan refused to take part in the discussions.
“Regional Monitoring Institute” NGO Chairman Arshavir Khalapyan said that the geoprospecting works will impact Qajaran Town, Qajaran, Verin Vardanidzor, Vanq and Tashtoun communities.
“The soil is natural wealth, which should be developed, but not at such rate. How will our future generations live? Everything has its end – exhaustion,” said Vladik Martirosyan, President of “Khoustoup” Environmental NGO and radically opposed to soil management works in Meghri area, as they will result in disturbing landscapes and ecosystems, polluting surface and groundwater.
“Developing new mines doesn’t result from the interests of the Republic of Armenia. We radically oppose to developing new mines in Meghri and will do our best to prevent these projects,” said Armen Parsadanyan, President of “Sustainable Development” NGO.
June 01, 2015 at 18:22