EcoLur
On 31 March 2016 the Armenian Government approved RA draft laws “On Making Amendments and Supplements to RA Forest Code” and “On Making Amendment to RA Code on Administrative Violations” and sent to the National Assembly. The amendments envisage permitting site development in forests and to eliminate the concept of a forest ticket. The proposed amendments were negatively adopted by the environmental society. The public representatives opposed to these amendments at the round table entitled “Sustainable Forest Management as Integral Part of Climate Policy” held at “EcoLur” Press Club on 15 April. Here is “Forests of Armenia” NGO Director Nazeli Vardanyan’s speech at the round table. “The intention to make such amendments into the Forest Code was generated 1-1.5 years ago. In this regard, the employees of “National Center for Legislative Regulation” PIU SA had meetings with the specialists in the forest sector, including me, and discussed the expediency of such amendments. I clearly expressed my opinion that such amendments are impermissible and illegal. Then, two-day working discussion were held in Dilijan, where all the invited specialists, including the representatives of “ArmForest” SNCO, RA Agriculture Ministry, RA Nature Protection Ministry, opposed to and criticized the proposed draft law substantiating these amendments could have disastrous impact on our forests and environmental safety, in general. It’s logical that the draft low shouldn’t go further any longer. Nevertheless, waiting for the most “convenient” moment, when the Armenian people are fighting a battle of life with the external enemies, here they dry to have a draft law passed “silently” trying to meet the needs of several officials or tycoons. Such an attitude towards forests is illegal and immoral, and even criminal taking into consideration this hazardous and hard time period for our country.” It’s envisaged to allot forests for site development. This proposal is completely illegal, as it contradicts to a number of provisions of the Armenian legislation. Hereby, Article 34 (3) of RA Forest Code says, “Construction works for he needs of forest economy may be carried out in forest areas only in line with the procedure set by RA Forest Code.”
The material is prepared by 'EcoLur' Informational NGO under “Armenia’s First Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC” UNDP-GEF/00079327” project.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including UNDP, or the UN Member States.
April 25, 2016 at 16:34