“People struggle for clean water in the RA communities”
Karine Danielyan, environmentalist, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Head of “For Sustainable Human Development” association, noted during the discussion entitled “Let’s not take a saw to the branch we’re sitting on”, which was dedicated to World Environment Day, noted that every year one slogan is chosen. This year’s slogan is “I am with the nature”, aiming at brining nature and people closer. The plant rebels against us, as we bother it with our steps.” While touching upon mining industry, she noted that it has become a means to get richer in a short period for a group of people. Inga Zarafyan, Chairman of “Ecolur” information NGO, touched upon “Clean Armenia” program initiated by the Government, noting that it was an urgent initiative. As for the mining industry, she thinks, each mine is backed by a high ranking official, and they try to hide their illegalities in all possible ways, “If Gladzor polymetallic mine starts operating, there is large amounts of brimstone, which is an aggressive element, yet there we have Vernashen community, which has become our national brand. We should resist that pressure, especially when today we have 30 mines, 8 out of which are used and 21 tailing dams. Several years later in our little country we will have 10 percent polluted territory.” Mrs Zarafyan also noted that we have been included in the list of scarce-water countries, yet formerly we were on the average level, “Now communities struggle for clean water and the situation is getting worse.” As for Amulsar mine exploitation, she noted that it has been examined very well, and 30 international experts have negative assessment, “The project of Amulsar mine exploitation was a purely political decision. It threatens Lake Sevan. Mine exploitation term is 10 years.”
