BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 5. Armenia’s
environmental activities pose transboundary risks to the region,
the statement from the briefing held at the office of the Forum of
National Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan, part of the
“Environmental Protection First” coalition, says, Trend's correspondent reports
from the event.
The event focused on issues related to Armenia’s mining
industry, water resource use, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, the
Amulsar gold mine, and the environmental damage inflicted on
Azerbaijani territories during the occupation.
At the briefing, it was noted that the activities of the mining
industry in Armenia raise concerns not only from the country’s
perspective but also in terms of the environmental safety of the
region as a whole. It was pointed out that mining waste can enter
transboundary rivers via groundwater and thus affect the
territories of other countries. In this regard, the impact of mines
located in Alaverdi and Syunik, in particular, on groundwater
pollution was highlighted.
Coalition representatives also drew attention to the situation
regarding Armenia’s water resources. During the briefing, World
Bank data was cited, indicating that Armenia is one of the
countries experiencing water scarcity. It was noted that the use of
groundwater in the Ararat Valley for commercial fishing and
irrigation has exceeded the annual rate of natural recharge. The
World Bank’s 2024 report on climate and development also indicates
that groundwater extraction in the Ararat Valley has exceeded the
annual rate of recharge, and that water discharge from Lake Sevan
has significantly exceeded historical levels of natural
outflow.
In addition, it was noted that increased water withdrawal from
Lake Sevan could have an impact on the lake’s ecosystem and
biodiversity. Speakers emphasized that, given Armenia’s position as
a downstream country in the Caucasus, transboundary water issues
arising on its territory are also significant for Azerbaijan.
Attention was also given to the issue of assessing transboundary
environmental impacts under the Espoo Convention.
The briefing included a separate discussion of the Amulsar gold
mine project, located near the city of Jermuk. It was noted that
the project’s location in an area connected to the Arpa and Vorotan
river basins raises concerns regarding potential impacts on water
resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems associated with Lake
Sevan.
Speakers noted that in 2018, residents of Jermuk and
environmental activists blocked the roads leading to the Amulsar
mine in protest against the project, effectively suspending
operations at the mine for several years. Subsequently, efforts to
resume the project were restarted.
In addition, it was reported that on August 31, 2026, an
agreement on community development was signed between the
Government of Armenia, Lydian Armenia, and the communities of
Jermuk, Vayk, and Sisian. The agreement provides for the allocation
of $7 million annually to the communities affected by the Amulsar
project during the construction phase, and $7 million or $9 million
during the production phase, depending on the average price of
gold.
Coalition representatives believe that the practical
implementation of the project is continuing, despite concerns about
its potential environmental impact. Given the connection between
the Arpa and Vorotan rivers and the Araz River basin, it was
emphasized that it is important to bear in mind the potential
transboundary environmental impact of the “Amulsar” project.
The briefing also mentioned the operations of the Metsamor
Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia among potential environmental risks.
It was noted that the problems include the aging equipment of the
second power unit, which has been in operation since 1980, and the
extension of its service life. According to information from
Armenia and the International Atomic Energy Agency, a program is
underway to extend the service life of the second power unit until
2036.
Speakers noted that in the event of a potential serious accident
or damage to safety systems, there is a likelihood of transboundary
release of radioactive substances into the environment, including
surface and groundwater.
The briefing also extensively covered the damage inflicted on
the environment and biodiversity in Azerbaijan’s sovereign
territories during the Armenian occupation.
Moreover, it was noted that during the occupation, forests on
Azerbaijani territory were destroyed and degraded. It was recorded
that approximately 8,900 hectares of forest were lost, and a total
of more than 50,000 hectares were destroyed. Damage was also
inflicted on specially protected areas and rare plant species,
including the destruction of rare oriental sycamores located in the
Basitchay State Nature Reserve.
The reports also noted a serious deterioration in the condition
of agricultural land. It was noted that between 1995 and 2015,
approximately 54,544 hectares of agricultural land were taken out
of productive use. Furthermore, it was emphasized that irrigation
infrastructure was destroyed during the occupation.
Regarding the Sarsang Reservoir, it was noted that the lack of
proper management of the reservoir and changes in water use
patterns affected access to water for the population of adjacent
regions and for agriculture.
The report also addressed the issue of the illegal exploitation
of natural resources, particularly mineral deposits, on the
territory of Azerbaijan during the occupation. It was noted that
deposits such as Gizilbulag, Demirli, Soyudlu, Aghduzdag, Tutkhum,
Vejnali, Mehmana, Shorbulag, Saribulag, Aghhyatag, Levchay,
Gamishli, Aghgaya, Chilgazchay, and Narzanli were being mined or
were in the process of being mined at various times.
The speakers also drew attention to the impact of mining
activities on land and water resources, noting that revenues
generated by mines in Azerbaijani territories during the occupation
were used to fund economic activities in Armenia and by certain
individuals. In this context, the activities of Ruben Vardanyan
were also mentioned.
Regarding the pollution of transboundary water resources,
special attention was paid to the example of the Okhchuchay River.
It was noted that the river’s ecosystem had suffered serious damage
as a result of pollution from waste generated by mining facilities
located in Armenia. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural
Resources reported that, during monitoring, samples taken from the
Okhchuchay River showed levels of heavy metals such as copper,
molybdenum, manganese, iron, zinc, and chromium that exceeded
established standards by several times. In addition, the deaths of
more than 500 trout and other fish species were reported.
At the conclusion of the briefing, it was noted that the
potential transboundary environmental consequences of mining, water
management, and other economic activities carried out on the
territory of Armenia must be a focus of attention from the
perspective of environmental and water security for the countries
of the region, including Azerbaijan.
