EcoLur
EcoLur presents the results of the social survey conducted in the settlements of the larger Qajaran community in Syunik Region. The topic of the study is "Population Perceptions of Social Impacts of Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine CJSC in Syunik Region and Proposals Aimed at Overcoming Negative Impacts".
The studies was carried out by sociologist Anahit Mkrtchyan, Head of “Community Mutual Assistance” Social NGO, PhD in Philological Sciences in August 2019 within the frames of “Mining-Impacted Communities – Full Participants in EITI Process” project.
The survey was conducted in 59 households. “Qajaran, Artsvanik, Syunik, Achanan settlements were selected as the subject of the survey. The interview was conducted in 59 households.
Work conclusion:
• The low level of awareness of the affected communities about the positive and negative social impacts of the operation of Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine is due to the lack of professional research findings (if any), and the improper coverage of the negative impacts of the combine operations by the local mass media.
• Absence of undertaking responsibility to protect residents’ interests by Environment and Health Ministries Zangezur from damage caused to air, soil and water with the operations of Copper and Molybdenum Combine CJSC has left the impacted residential areas to the “favour” of the combine and “good” service of the local government officials. In all affected areas, the complaint of households with only financial reimbursement of damages overshadows the issue of preventing the damage caused with the plant operations, raising the working culture.
• Widespread female unemployment in the affected areas of Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine CJSC hinders women's self-expression, self-esteem, family respectability and social activism.
• The low level of accessibility of affected communities in the EITI processes is associated with the inaccessibility of professional assessments of their own rights, environmental and health risks, and poor awareness of residents about procedures to protect rights,” the work entitled “Perception of People on Social Impacts of Operations of "Zangezour Copper And Molybdenum Combine" CJSC And Proposals Aimed At Overcoming Negative Impacts” says.
The full text of the work can be found here.
This material has been prepared within “Mining-Impacted Communities – Full Participants in EITI Process'” project implemented by EcoLur with the USAID support within the frames of “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center.
This article is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
September 20, 2019 at 13:52