EcoLur
There are red-listed species both in Teghout forests and Teghout copper and molybdenum mine itself. This statement was made by Hovik Sayadyan, Head of Foreign Affairs Department of Armenian Agrarian University, Dr. Geographical Sciences, at the press conference at “EcoLur” press club on 13 April. “I myself had carried out small studies in terms of Teghout tree and bush vegetation. If you look through the Red Books of Armenia, you will find many species from this area,” said Hovik Sayadyan. In reply to EcoLur’s question whether there are red-listed species in the area of Teghout copper and molybdenum mine, Hovik Sayadyan said there are.
It should be mentioned that Article 26(3) of RA Code “On Soil” prohibits soil management, if “If there Armenian red-listed plant or animal habitats in the claimed areas, as well as migration corridors.”
Forests are mercilessly chopped down and biodiversity is destroyed for the development of Teghout copper and molybdenum mine. Though “Teghout” CJSC, the mine developer, carried out certain reforestation works, it won’t give the same result. In this regard, Hovik Sayadyan said, “It’s impossible to take a part of nature and transplant it in other area, if any plant grows in that particular place, it means it has its unique geological, land, relief and climate conditions, which comprise one integrity with the environment. I don’t believe in the possibility to recover it. Many people comment that the forest is taken from one part and put into another one, but it’s impossible in nature.”
April 16, 2013 at 15:16