Deputy Minister of Environment Gayane Gabrielyan in the Swiss Confederation (Geneva) participates in the third extraordinary session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe on the Convention "on Access to Environmental Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice".
The Deputy Minister made an introductory speech, the start of which congratulated Michelle Forst on the appointment of a special rapporteur on environmental protection at the international level.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of the role of environmentalists, based on the experience of Armenia, and, in particular, noted.
"As you know, Armenia joined the Aarhus Convention back in 1998 and responsibly fulfills its obligations. The first Aarhus Center was opened in Yerevan and has been operating under the leadership of the Ministry since the very first day of its establishment, being a good platform for society-government cooperation.
As a result of the war unleashed in Artsakh in 2020, the processes have slowed down, but we spare no effort to properly fulfill our obligations."
The Deputy Minister said that Armenia is currently cooperating with the OSCE in order to resume the work of local Aarhus centers.
"The activities of environmental activists are crucial for both environmental protection and wildlife protection. but it must be stated that this is possible only as a result of an adequate and proper approach of the government. One of the clearest examples of this is that a few years ago, the government's project for the construction of a highway provided for by the territory of the Shikaoh State Reserve of the Syunik region was revised thanks to the persistence and resistance of environmental activists, and the highway was built in an alternative way.
Another striking example was the construction project of the SPP on the territory of the Trchkan Waterfall nature monument, which was also canceled by the efforts of environmentalists.
These events are a vivid example of the Government's willingness to cooperate.
We always highly appreciate the work of environmental activists, working closely with them. We often organize round tables, trying to reach consensus."
Gayane Gabrielyan cited as an example the public hearings organized with public organizations and environmentalists to discuss the draft amendment of the RA Law "On Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise", which were conducted personally by the Deputy Minister.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister also touched upon the work carried out by the Ministry of Environment with the public, presenting ways to disseminate information and digital data.
In this context, the Deputy Minister noted the importance of the rapid and accessible dissemination of information to the public, which makes it possible for environmentalists to immediately express their point of view on problems.
At the end of his speech, the Deputy Minister once again welcomed the efforts of the secretariat and partners to pay more attention to the protection of the interests of environmentalists, which, of course, will serve our common goal - the protection of nature and human health.