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OMBUDSMAN'S OFFICE CONCERNED OVER ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
TERT.AM
12:29 ~U 15.03.13
In a new report evaluating the Nature Protection Ministry's work,
the Human Rights Defender's Office has expressed concerns over the
existing environmental hazards in the country.
The concerns particularly focus on the environmental damages caused
by private entrepreneurs due to the absence of positive conclusions
in environmental impact assessments.
The document addresses citizens' complaints against woodcutting,
air pollution, water and fish poisoning in rivers and the emission
of hazardous substances and waste.
It says the Ministry failed to take adequate measure to ensure the
implementation of an action plan stemming from Armenia's commitments
under the Aarhus Convention.
The report notes that the licensing of the company expected to
exploit the Teghut Mine (Lori region) remained incomplete, causing
vast complaints by environmentalists.
"It is a serious concern that the Ministry has so far failed to
undertake active measures towards exercising control over territories
under its supervision in order to resolve cases of illegal hunting
and enforce accountability measures.
The organization of public hearing over draft legal acts concerning
the sector remains unresolved, often making participation a formal
procedure," reads the report.
The document further addresses the positive developments, particularly
the efforts to inform the public of issues of major concern, the
elaboration of criteria for appointing environmental inspectors (based
on the Law on Civil Service) and the activities towards bringing the
legislation in compliance with the Aarhus Convention.
TERT.AM
12:29 ~U 15.03.13
In a new report evaluating the Nature Protection Ministry's work,
the Human Rights Defender's Office has expressed concerns over the
existing environmental hazards in the country.
The concerns particularly focus on the environmental damages caused
by private entrepreneurs due to the absence of positive conclusions
in environmental impact assessments.
The document addresses citizens' complaints against woodcutting,
air pollution, water and fish poisoning in rivers and the emission
of hazardous substances and waste.
It says the Ministry failed to take adequate measure to ensure the
implementation of an action plan stemming from Armenia's commitments
under the Aarhus Convention.
The report notes that the licensing of the company expected to
exploit the Teghut Mine (Lori region) remained incomplete, causing
vast complaints by environmentalists.
"It is a serious concern that the Ministry has so far failed to
undertake active measures towards exercising control over territories
under its supervision in order to resolve cases of illegal hunting
and enforce accountability measures.
The organization of public hearing over draft legal acts concerning
the sector remains unresolved, often making participation a formal
procedure," reads the report.
The document further addresses the positive developments, particularly
the efforts to inform the public of issues of major concern, the
elaboration of criteria for appointing environmental inspectors (based
on the Law on Civil Service) and the activities towards bringing the
legislation in compliance with the Aarhus Convention.