N 3 E Letter May June 2011 Eng

8/6/2019 N 3 E Letter May June 2011 Eng

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In this number we represent the most

important and outstanding events

implemented by the centers in May -

June

Discussion in Aarhus centers on drinking water and water supply problems page 2Tree planting in the marzes of Armenia page 3Who failed Aarhus conventin in Armenia? page 4Residents of Hrazdan wont let their town become a mining place - pages 5International days pages 6-7Confront consequences of climate change within the community,Climate change is the 21st centurys major disaster page 8Photo exhibition, Desertification is a serious danger for the planet page 9Public hearing on the project of building new waste accumulator, Comparative dynamics of Lake Sevan level rise page 10Global environmental problems, Water pollution page 11

IN THIS

NUMBER


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NATURE IS THE ONLY BOOK IN WHICH EVERY PAGE HAS A DEEPMEANING-GOETHE

In the communities the problems ofpopulation health and vitality are under the

attention of Aarhus centers. During the

year several centers organized public

discussions on drinking water and water

quality. The obtained results are different

but ensuring public participation in this

process is essential.

discussion was invited by the request of theresidents. Head of the Gavar anti-epidemicinspection noted that the quality of thesupplied water was sufficient, no epidemicswere observed. The responsible persons ofthe field spoke on the investments of newlyestablished water supply and seweragesystems of Gavar, the problems of Gavararea communities water supply anddrainage and a supplier and customerrelations. It was noted that this field wouldbe improved, upgraded and attempts arebeing made to increase the hours of watersupply. Importance was attached to theprotection of consumer rights. The initiators

of the discussion made proposals to be sentto the Armenian Water and SewerageCJSC, public services regulatorycommission and local authorities for theimprovement of the field.

AlaverdiTaking into account the interest of theresidents and complaints in connection withthe water supply and sanitation issues intown Alaverdi, on April 8 Alaverdi Aarhuscenter held a public discussion on the topicAlaverdi town water supply and sanitationproblems. The discussion was attended by

the representatives from water supplycompany, local authorities, communitycouncil members, NGOs, ACP company,mass media, board of experts andresidents.The responsible persons of this field provedthe 90% loss of drinking water conditionedby the worst state of water pipes andreservoirs. Exhaustive answers were givento the raised questions though since 1960poor condition of water supply still remainsa problem because of bad conditions ofpipes. Questions also raised on the watersupply problems in apartment buildingsbecause of generated high pressure. Therepresentative from Water Supply Companyexplained that due to the complicated reliefof the city normal water is provided to theresidents in high pressure, which can beresolved only by purchasing specialequipment. Water treatment plant doesntwork in the city. Aarhus center hasprepared letters to be sent to ArmenianWater and Sewerage CJSC for thepossible solutions of the mentionedquestions.Such cooperation shows that the jointinitiative and dialogue of local authoritiesand corresponding structures, citizens and

Aarhus Center leads to tangible results.

The representative of this field noted that itwas caused by the 40-70 year oldpipelines that are already decayed. Waterremoval is a problem and the companyrefuses fulfilling drainage works reasoningthat they dont deal with drainage network.In some communities the company doesntcharge 28 AMD fee for water drainagemaintenance.Though according to theparticipants opinions they doesntimplement properly their responsibilities ofwater drainage maintenance in Zovuni andYeghvard communities.Issues concerning the discussionparticipants remained unanswered. Aarhus

center prepared a letter to Yerevan jurcompany with the request of clarifying thequestions. Goris A discussion was held at Goris Aarhuscenter devoted to the water supply andwater drainage problems in Syunik marz.The discussion was attended by thegovernor of Syunik marz, general directorof Armenian Water and SewerageCJSC, heads of communities, director ofthe regional sanitary hygienic station,representatives from marzpetaran andother institutions, mass media, and NGO

representatives. Water supply andsanitation problems in communities andthe next steps for their solutions werediscussed. The director of the sanitaryhygienic station emphasized the gaps ofthis sphere. The governor noted that apractical approach is required. Generaldirector of Armenian Water andSewerage CJSC noted that works relatedto this sphere were carried out in Agarakand Meghri communities and manymeasures were taken in a number ofcommunities aimed at enhancing thequality of water supply. He assured thatthey will make efforts to find solutions forthe questions and issues voiced by thepeople.

GavarOn April 28 Gavar Aarhus center andSakharov center of human rightsprotection of Gegharkunik branch joint helda discussion on the reforms in the field ofGegharkunik water supply. Issues onregional communities drinking watersupply were discussed. The discussionwas attended by the representatives fromArmenian Water and Sewerage CJSC,the representative of the public servicesregulatory commission, representatives

from marzpetaran and other institutions,NGOs and mass media. The coordinator ofAarhus center noted that improvement wasobserved in the field of water supply butthere was a certain tension in supplier-consumer relations and the

DilidjanBy the request of a group of residents ofDilidjan, Dilidjan Aarhus center organizeda public discussion with participation ofcommunity leaders, representatives of Armenian Water and Sewerage CJSC,regional council members and residents.

The aim of the discussion was to identifythe local residents discontent referring tothe legality of supplied water quality andincreasing the tariffs and find ways tosolve the issue. Residents indignationwas connected with the fact that for theresidents of apartments and privateresidents the tariffs were calculated byyard tap estimates i.e. 1.5 litres cubicmeters to 1 resident and tariffs arecalculated according to the governmentapproved rate, 1 cubic meter costs 179.78AMD. The residents need to install water-meters, and as the water-meters are notinstalled yet, the calculation is made of 6cubic meters for 1 person that is 1070AMD. It was decided to come to commonagreement. The mayor promised to dealwith the problem and the mayors motion isgranted per capita 179.78 AMD, 1.5 cubicmeters.

YeghvardYerevan jur company provides Yeghvardand its surrounding communities withwater which is badly implemented. According to the government decision aresident must be provided with water atleast 4 hours a day. The existent problemswere represented at the public discussion

held on March 30 at Yeghvard Aarhuscenter. The discussion was attended bythe representatives from local authorities,Yerevan jur CJSC, mass media andresidents. Only 10 percent of 100 litreswater entering Yeghvard within a secondreaches to the population.

Discussion in Aarhus centers on drinking water and water supply problems

N. Poghosyan, Goris


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Armenia tree project

ATP charitable

foundation. Armenia

tree project ATP

charitable foundation

gave the trees with

the condition that the

schools should have

Since April 20 pupils and teachers of Gegharkunik

region Nerkin Getashen N2, Madina, Lichq,

Ddmashen, Verin Getashen N1 and Zolakar N1

secondary schools began a tree planting. With the

support of Gavar Public environmental informationAarhus center around 710 layers of ash, rowan,

apple trees and othertrees were provided by

On May 2 on the initiative of Idjevan Aarhus center tree

planting was organized on the 10km of Idjevan-

Noyemberyan instate highway with the aim of restoring

and enlarging the attenuating alley. We would like to

inform that in the village Aknaghbyur some peoplecarelessly damaged some of the huge trees. The alley

has already existed for several decades. Its one of the

beautiful sites in Armenia and during the summer heat

it saves the road from the direct rays of the sun. If

during their existence in previous years these thick

trunk trees didnt impede anyone, this year during the

agricultural works some people from village

Aknaghbyur while burning the dry grass and shrubs

have incinerated also some walnuts. As a result

several trees dried and were cut down.

About two miles along the length of the

roadway 300 walnuts were planted by

the employees of Idjevan Aarhus

center, students from Galiq

educational center, residents of villages

Khashtarak and Aknaghbyur. The

action was supported by department of

environment of Tavush marzpeatran

and Id evan munici alit .

In the coming days the center will invite a discussion todo explanatory works with the residents. Idjevan Aarhuscenter is going to take steps to prevent thatpermissiveness.

TREE PLANTING IN THE MARZES OF ARMENIA

fence, irrigation water and thewarden for taking care of the trees.The layers are 1-1,5 m and areconducive to future growth and

development. Decorative and fruit

tree saplings were allocated toschools one month ago.

Tree planting was delayed due to unfavorableweather conditions till April third ten-day period.Gavar Aarhus center employees also took part inthe tree planting. The cooperation of Gavar Aarhuscenter with Armenia tree project ATP charitablefoundation will continue and tree planting will alsobe organized in autumn and those institutions willbe chosen, which can provide the above mentionedconditions and can preserve the trees.

Unfortunately, thesame gardeners whodamaged the alleydidnt take part in thetree planting thusshowing their indiffe-rence to the problemsposed by them.

During the implementation of the main channels restoration millennium challenge organization has done imposed

loggings in the areas where the trees impeded the construction of canals. They have promised to plant new trees.

According to the environmental management plans the organization, according to the agreement with contractor

French SADE organization that implements the restoration works of the main channels,

has organized tree plantings with the other contractor organizations in the logged

communities. 450 species of shrubs of acacia, poplar, walnut, ashes, and maple are planted in

Noramarg /Armavir region/, Hastik /Shirak region/, Byurakan /Aragatsotn region/ and

Yeghvard /Kotayk region/. Tree planting in Yeghvard was implemented with the support of

Yeghvard municipality and with the participation of Aarhus center volunteers and pupils.

Around 200 layers were planted in the memorial park of the Great Patriotic War.

M. Chakryan, Yeghvard

G. Aghbalyan, Idjevan

L.Asoyan, Gavar


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role of a mediator between the government and the Aarhus Convention

committee. It turned out that the number of working visits served purely for

her private interest and were a chance for her to relax from Armenian reality.

The European Commission has more than once been warned that Armenia is

violating its commitments. But nothing changed. There are grounds to

presume that Aida Iskoyan has never let the Minister of Environment and the

Prime Minister know about these letters. The whole correspondence on theshameful indifference of Armenian delegation is available at Aarhus website

Who failed Aarhus Convention in Armenia?

On May 20 the RoA governments report on the implementation of the Aarhus

convention was heard and discussed, which was elucidated by the media superficially.

Usually we journalists like to take one important sentence in the form of information thus

informing public without details. But the details give more clear understanding of the

issues. And so, what assessments were given to the implementation of the Convention

that day? The Head of the OSCE Yerevan office Sergey Kapinos noted that the

convention involves bringing the Armenian legislation in line with international

parameters of guarantees of environmental safety of citizens. The speech of the

representative of the Ministry of Environment, National Coordinator of the Aarhus

Convention Aida Iskoyan was sustained in a completely different light.

She did not say a word about the failings of the government, which resulted in

the creation of growing like mushrooms mining companies working against all

norms and RoA is losing its prestige in the international arena. In response to a

question of Hrayr Svazyan, Ecodar NGO, A. Iskoyan noted that the conventionhad not been violated in Armenia. Aarhus website reports that the work of only 6

of 44 countries of Aarhus convention was assessed as unsatisfactory. In relation

to Armenia, there are two resolutions which note that the country broke the main

demands of the Convention accessibility to information, participation of the society in the decision-making

process and accessibility to justice. Armenia will be monitored in this relation.

On December 26, 2000 tyhe Constitutional court, also attended by A. Iskoyan, adviser to the RoA minister of

nature protection, confirmed that on June 25, 1998 in the Convention signed in Aarhus the responsibilites are in

line with the RoA Constitution. There is also RoA prime ministers 16 774-A resolution on the United Nations,

European Economic Commission Access to information, public participation in decision making and access to

justice arising form the Aarhus convention obligations. By this the prime minister ordered to draw a plan ofactions, to determine the schedule and the official performers. But, in fact, neither the Constitutional coyrts

decisions nor the prime ministers have been fulfilled till now. And Mrs. Iskoyan doesnt realize the

(http://unece.org/env/pp/compliance/Compliance%20Committee/CCimplDocsArmeniaMoP3.htm) .

A. Iskoyan didnt inform the government and the public about the works implemented inthe frames of the Convention. By the way, within the last 10 years the Convention Secretariat created 5

international working groups for the states in favor it , who discussed procedures for legislative changes in the

national legislation. We shall try to believe that the government was unaware, since the society was not aware

either, and we shall hope after these issues have already been raised, they will be answered.

http://unece.org/env/pp/compliance/Compliance%20Committee/CCimplDocsArmeniaMoP3.htmhttp://unece.org/env/pp/compliance/Compliance%20Committee/CCimplDocsArmeniaMoP3.htmhttp://unece.org/env/pp/compliance/Compliance%20Committee/CCimplDocsArmeniaMoP3.htmhttp://unece.org/env/pp/compliance/Compliance%20Committee/CCimplDocsArmeniaMoP3.htm


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decided to organize a demonstration before theChinese embassy in Yerevan in May. Not being

able to contact with the Chinese Fortune oil

company the group prepared a letter connected

with the public concern on the mine exploitation.

Attached was represented also the independent

expert opinion by Hakobyan environmental

center. But the action on May 26 didnt take

place before the Chinese embassy. Incessantrotating news and announcements related to the

Not encouraging the idea of the campaign, theAmbassador expressed his readiness to cooperate

with the group in a civilized way.The latter also

promised that based on friendly relations, will find

the contacts of the company, and transfer them the

letter.Isnt Hong Kong a part of China and isnt the

same if we call the company both as Chinese or

Hong Kong company? According to data since

1997 Hong Kong became under the jurisdiction of

China and became a

emerge during the exploitation. According to the

Ambassador's words, "Fortune Oil" company has no

any connection with China; it is Hong Kong

company. Otherwise, he is not authorized tointervene in business sector.

and assistance center), Hrazdan

TV company and Hrazdan

Aarhus center. Being consistent

to the above mentioned

problems the initiative group

China's ambassador was not even

aware of the visit made by

representatives of the above

mentioned company to Hrazdan in

April.

action within one week led to an

adequate response by the

government and the Chinese

embassy. The initiative group

receiving dialogue proposal by

the Ambassador of China,

special administrative area in the

country. Yes, actually Hong Kong is

the administrative region of China

but capitalist system in Hong Kong e

and socialist system in China are

functioning.on May 25 met with the Ambassador. During the

meeting with Tian Chungchan, Ambassador of

Republic of China in Armenia, the group

presented iron mine issues and threats that may

And according to the words of the embassy

employee Chinese government does not interfere

with Hong Kong commercial activities, they are

independent in this matter.

Residents of Hrazdan wont let their town become a

mining place

After the protest against the iron mine

exploitation in Hrazdan an Initiative group was

formed including Childrens support

foundation NGO, Forests for futuregenerations NGO, Kotayk AAC (Advocacy

A.Mnatsakanyan, Hrazdan


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International day of biodiversity

Birds international day in Aarhus center

On May 22, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro the Biodiversity Convention on the goals of biodiversity conservation

and sustainable use of its components was adopted. On December 20, 2000 the United Nations General

Assembly declared May 22, the day of adopting Biodiversity Convention, as international day of Biodiversity.

On this day various events are organized in many countries of the world with the aim of drawing public

attention on the biodiversity conservation issues. Of course it has become a tradition for Aarhus centers in

Armenia to celebrate international day of Biodiversity in row with the other ecological days. As the United

Nations general assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests, all the events held on the

biodiversity day are devoted to the conservation of the forests.

On May 22 Young Biologists Association" and "Colours of Life 'NGOs, jointly with Yerevan and Hrazdan Aarhus Centers, with the

support of Hrazdan municipality organized an environmental action at the forest area of Hrazdan forestry adjacent to the monument

of Z. Danielian, freedom fighter, at the road Hrazdan-Aghavnadzor, which is located in the riverside of Marmarik and serves as a

public resting place.At first organizers of the event presented to the 50 young people the day symbol, issues of flora and fauna,

forest ecosystem protection. Then the participants divided into groups for holding cleaning works at the mentioned areas. From the

territory were collected about 120 sacks of household waste, which was accumulated in the forest zone during the years. By the

support of Hrazdan municipality a garbage can was placed in the territory and informational posters containing to keep the fo rest

clean were placed.

Informational posters to keep the forest clean were posted in the area.

This event was also celebrated in Dilidjan and Ararat Aarhus center. Pupils, students, teachers, representatives of local authorities,

residents, NGOs and other organizations took part in the seminars held by the above mentioned centers. The participants became

aware of the threats on the Earth biodiversity, as well as Armenias biodiversity features. The latter expressed their willingness to

have direct participation in the protection of biodiversity. S. Ayvazyan, Yerevan

On May 22, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro the Biodiversity

Convention on the goals of biodiversity conservation

and sustainable use of its components was adopted.

On December 20, 2000 the United Nations General

Assembly declared May 22, the day of adopting

Biodiversity Convention, as international day of

Biodiversity.

On May 22 Young Biologists Association" and

"Colours of Life 'NGOs, jointly with Yerevan and

Hrazdan Aarhus Centers, with the support of

Hrazdan municipality organized an environmental

action at the forest area of Hrazdan forestry

adjacent to the monument of Z. Danielian, freedom

fighter, at the road Hrazdan- Aghavnadzor, which

is located in the riverside of Marmarik and serves a

On this day various events are organized in many countries of

he world with the aim of drawing public attention on the

biodiversity conservation issues. Of course it has become a

radition for Aarhus centers in Armenia to celebrate international

day of Biodiversity in row with the other ecological days.

As the United Nationsgeneral assembly declared2011 as the InternationalYear of Forests, all theevents held on thebiodiversity day are devotedto the conservation of theforests.

as a public resting place.At first organizers of the event

presented to the 50 young people the day symbol, issues of

flora and fauna, forest ecosystem protection. Then the

participants divided into groups for holding cleaning works at

the mentioned areas.

About 120 sacks of

household waste, which was

accumulated in the forest

zone during the years were

collected from the

territory. By the support of

Hrazdan municipality

a garbage can was placed in the territory and informational posters containing to keep the forest clean were placed.

Informational posters to keep the forest clean were posted in the area.

This event was also celebrated in Dilidjan and Ararat Aarhus center. Pupils, students, teachers, representatives of local

authorities, residents, NGOs and other organizations took part in the seminars held by the above mentioned centers. The

participants became aware of the threats on the Earth biodiversity, as well as Armenias biodiversity features. The latter

expressed their willingness to have direct participation in the protection of biodiversity.

INTERNATIONAL DAYS

A.Alikhanyan, Dilidjan


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Healthy baby

n 1972 United Nations General Assembly declared June 5 as the International day of

Environment. Every year on this day Aarhus centers of Armenia organize many important events.This time the international day of environment was celebrated in Klanaker-Zeytun community for

he first time on the initiative of World Vision and with the support of the community head. Center

of Bird lovers, Khazer eco educational NGOs, Yerevan Aarhus center, a number of schools art

groups of the community joined the event and showed active participation in the event.

n the frames of the event cleaning works were implemeneted in the boulevard named after Minas

World environment international day through the eyes of Aarhus centers

Avetisyan, then an exhibition was organized in Paruyr Sevak boulevard where the

photos made by the participant pupils were represented. Those photos reflected

Yerevan city and the republics environmental issues. For this event Gavar Aarhus

center has announced a cleaning day in the marz. The center was the first to undertake

and support to the cleaning works in Gavar town Dashtoyan1 alley. As a result, weedswere removed from the brooks, yards and the roads, garbage disposal was organized.

Public event dedicated to the international day of environment was held in Goris Aarhus center joint on the initiative of Information

center of rights NGO. Goris Aarhus center represented the meaning of that day, the purpose and the history of its adop tion, also

short information was represented on the conventions on nature protection ratified by the Republic of Armenia, laws consisting of

environmental norms, mechanisms.

On the same day in Dilidjan Aarhus center an informational seminar was held. The most acute environmental problems, their

contributing factors and the possible ways of overcoming them were represented through a presentation. It was noted that in the

present era the destruction of ecological balance is to be blamed on humanity: emissions of greenhouse gases, indiscriminate

consumption of natural resources, lumberings, danger of disappearance of natural species, etc. .

In its turn Goris aarhus center in response to the invitation of Trichq NGO, held a meeting -training with a group of young people

during which the history of international environment day was represented to the participants through presentation. The participantsbecame aware of the environmental problems of Vanadzor city in Lori marz. A discussion was held on the topic how to save

electricity, how to improve the environment and not to pollute it.

June 1 was declared Childrens protection international day in 1925

during the World Conference convened in Geneva. In 1949 the UNO

approved the decision of International alliance of Women on

celebrating childrens protection day, thus the issue of childrens life

and health protection made one of its priorites. As Childrensprotection international day June 1 has been celebrated for the

the slogans Healthy baby and Healthy environment, healthy life. Dances, painting, designing works

were organized for the 6-12 year old children. Pupils from Yeghvard art school made the event more

beautiful by their live performances. Young volunteers made June 1 a real fete in Yeghvard.



first time in 1950. Today this international day is celebrated everywhere.

As a tradition each year on June 1 chalk drawing is organized in

Yeghvard. This year on the initiative of Yeghvard Aarhus center and

Yeghvard youth environmental NGO, with the support of Kh. Asryan

June 1 was celebrated more variegated and comprehensively.

Gymnastic and sport games were organized for 5 year old children with


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from marzpetaran and local authorities,

NGOs, students, farmers. Climate

change is not only environmental, but

also development problem which may

have an impact on all aspects of human

activity. Meanwhile Armenia is a

mountainous country with vulnerable

ecosystems and is limited in financial,

technological means and human

potential to confront the consequences

of climate change. A. Gabrielyan,

national coordinator of UNFCCC, noted

that the second national communication

on climate change is not only about the

raised questions, but also suggests

reasonable ways for their solutions.

Armenia has no quantitative

commitments to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions, but for the country to the part

of convention supports all the events. In

the scale of CIC countries large and

successful projects are available in

Armenia, and the new ones are being

worked out. The application ofadaptation mechanisms is very important

for resisting the climate change, for

which the assessment of community

vulnerability and adaption abilities is

important.

Climate change is the 21st centurys major disaster

On June 14-16 in the frames of GIZ organizations project Territorial

ecological policy in South Caucasus (2009-2011), with the

cooperation of RoA Ministry of nature protection, UNDP and OSCE

office in Yerevan a training was held for the employees of RoA Ministry

of nature protection and the coordinators of Aarhus centers.

The aim of the training was to teach the reduction adaptation actions

that can be implemented in the communites for the climate change

consequences. Thus Being involved in the seminar the coordinator of

Aarhus centers develpoed their experience in implementing

corresponding adaptation actions typical to their regions. The training

was conducted by Julia Roye and Sibile Kabish, experts from adelphi

organization.

During the seminar 7 modules of community actions were taught which were reprsented in details in theAdaptation guidebook 1 on climate change published by the organizers.

During the three days the participants made a Climate change adaptation plan for the community with

conditional name Tension. The coordinators of Aarhus centers mentioned that the knowledge

acquired was very important for their future activities, as the climate change causes the increase of

vulnerability in separate regions of Armenia.

Coonfront the consequences of climate change within thecommunity


There are valid scientific evidences thatclimate change was caused as a result ofhuman activities and the greenhousegases emissions. Now it is not only areality but also threatens to become amore dangerous and destructivephenomenon more quickly than had beenexpected until recently. Ecosystems,forests, soils, water resources, humanhealth, agriculture and biodiversitybecome vulnerable to climate change. As

a result of it countries have huge financiallosses. According to the predictions in thefuture the temperature change will result inbiodiversity decrease, glacial thaw, energyreserves will expire. Our country is alsonot void of the negative manifestations ofthis global phenomenon. In the nextcentury the temperature in the RoA ispredicted to increase 2 degrees in averagethe air temperature and the precipitationswill decrease in 10 %. Attachingimportance to the public awareness aboutall this, within the frames of cooperation

of Climate change information centerevents devoted to the mechanisms ofresisting the climate change took place inthe Aarhus centers of Armenia. The publicwas introduced to the Armenias secondnational communication of climatechange worked out by the support

of Development project andGlobal ecological foundation ofUNO, and by the coordination ofRoA Ministry of nature protection.The seminar-discussions held in Aarhus center were attended by Agricultural Support marz center,environmental inspectorate, emer-gency situations service, hydro-meteorogical services, nationalexperts, and representatives



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Convention on the struggle against desertification since 1994 and besides the national project

of Struggle against desertification in Armenia is implemented in the Republic. Todaydesertification is a global problem for more than 100 countries. And in the cases of such rapid

desertification in 2020 135 people in the whole world will be forced to change their localities.

Desertification is mainly caused by the climate change and human thoughtless activity.

These are full exploitation of lands and natural resources, insufficient protection of

environment, ecological disasters caused by the humanity, unawareness and wrong decision

makings, emergency situations and wars, forced transfers and resettlement of people, etc..

The 40% of Earths surface is of arid lands, where one-fifth of the world population lives.

Our Republic is also considered an arid region and is subjected to desertification and other phenomenon, and there have already

been natural conditions for them. The 82% of whole territory of Armenia is subjected to desertification of different degrees.

Armenian environmentalists have seriously alarmed for a few years about the desertification i n Armenia. territory of Armenia.According to official data 10 % of Armenias territory is forested, although environmental organizations based on their research,

claim that it makes up only 8%, meanwhile in the 20 th century forested areas comprised 25% of the If desertification continues for

20 years, forests will almost disappear in Armenia. Natural factor is added to the human factor and the country is in economy

transition phase, thus struggle against desertification is not just an environmental problem but it includes in it social and economic

problems.

Photo Exhibition

Our community through the eyes of children. The

exhibition was attended by the pupils from three

schools of the town, teachers parents, representatives

from the municipality. The iam of the exhibition was to

introduce to the residents of the town with the

environmental problems of the town, their causes and

ways of solutions. Through the photos the children

tried to show their right of living in healthy and safe

environment and everyones duty to preserve it.According to the prior agreement with school principals

and teachers each school should have represented 20

photos 10 of which should be devoted to the

environmental problems of our town. Each of the

photos should be represented with a corresponding

comment and the ways of imagination. the preparation

tion were numerous and diverse. Those reffered to

the lack of landscaping, garbage removal, manure,

pollution of Qasagh River and restoration of water

cleaning plant. With the help of photos the problems

of waste and dried leaves, plastic bottles, danger of

burning tires and itinerant dogs were shown. The

children didnt forget to clarify that the washing

materials in car washing stations had bad

environmental consequences and there is the need to

install filtration equipments. The problem of GMOs in

food was also discussed. The participants paid

attention also to the consequences of the fires in

Alpine meadows. This event became an opportunity

onvce more to capture public attention to the

environmental problems and to care about the nature.

On May 20 on the

initiative of Aparan

Aarhus center in the

exhibition hall of art

school photo

exhibition was

organized entitled

were given for two

weeks solving them in

their with Aarhus

center for advice.

receiving materials

and Problems repre-

sentted at the exhibit-

N. Manukyan, Aparan

Desertification is a serious danger for the planetAttaching importance to the environmental problems solving process, highlighting the efforts of the international organizations in

1992 in Rio de Janeiro a number of states participating in the summit decided to the UNO led to confirm three Conventions on the

most important contemporary problems; that is the UN Convention on biodiversity conservation, UN convention on climate change

UN Convention on the struggle against desertification in those countries where serious drought and desertification occurs, especially

in Africa. The UN Convention on the struggle against desertification was adopted on June 17, 1994 and entered into force on

December 26, 1996. The aim of the convention is to join the efforts of international and non-governmental organizations for

decreasing the process of drought and to struggle against the desertification on national, territorial and local levels. Land is a

irreplaceable natural resource and the stable social-economic development of our country depends on its reasonable use. More

than 190 countries of the world including Armenia are the full members of the Convention. Armenia is a member of The UN

H. Hovhannisyan, Ararat


10/1110

On June 21 public hearing was held on

the plan of building new landfill for solid

waste in Alaverdi local administrative

area. The meeting was organized by

Alaverdi municipality and with the

support of Alaverdi Aarhus center.

The public hearing was attended by the

representatives from Gortechproject

LLC, the expert from the

Environmental assessment of RoA

Ministry of Nature Protection,

representatives from Alaverdi local

authorities and community council

members, heads of neighbouring

communities, coordinator of Alaverdi

Aarhus center, NGOs, mass media,

young people and other interested

citizens. A. Nalbandyan, the mayor of

Alaverdi spoke in details on the work

done before the compilation of the

project; he spoke on the results of the

study, on the nature of the project, its

construction necessity and the financial

issues. G. Sokhakyan, head of

department of urban development and

land use, represented the project of

building garbage places, their location,construction, maintenance,

environmental measures, technologies,

and many other questions connected

with the project. G. Gulanyan,

representative from Gortechproject

LLC, introduced and clarified on the

engineering and constructive works of

the project. The participants attached

importance to the garbage place not only

in Alaverdi town, but also for the whole

region. It was suggested to allot certain

amount of money from theenvironmental fee of Haghpat

community for the construction of the

landfill with the agreement of joint use in

future. The project was approved as the

landfill is considered to be important and

necessary, it solves a number of

environmental, social and economic

problems, the landfill complies with

modern requirements and it will be the

first not only for the region but also for

the republic. Accroding to the draft all

The sanitary norms and requirements

are met, there is only a need to ensure

permanent water. As a result,theparticipantscame tothegeneralconclusionand decidedtoapprovethe projectimplementationtaking into account.Solution of social problems by the

creation of working places

Solving environmental issues,

prevention of Debed river pollution,

waste sorting with the expectation of

further recycling, ensure the purity and

sanitary condition in the town, proper

waste management and control.

The formation of ecological culture for

the environment.

Involvement ofdonororganizations forthe landfill construction.Permanent and well protection of the

landfill.

Public hearing on the project of building new waste accumulator

. ,

Comparative dynamics of Lake Sevan level rise

On June 20, 2011 Lake Sevan was 1900, 49 meters above the sea level. According to

the data of the ministry of emergency situations hydrometeorology and monitoring

state service compared to the same day last year Lake Sevan level rose by 28cm, and

compared with January of this year by 58cm. On June 20, 2009 Lake Sevan was

1899, 40 meters above the sea level, which means that during the last two years Lake

Sevan water level rose by 1,09 meter. According to the RoA May20, 2011 resolution N655-A Lake Sevan water flows began for the irrigation purposes, and its inclusive of

this year is 170 million cubic meter which is 1.1 million cubic meters more than

in 2010 and 28 million cubic meters more than in A.

Nersisyan, head of Water resources management agency of

the RoA ministry of nature protection, informed Gavar Aarhus

center that within the period June 20-30 12 million cubic meter

water is foreseen to be vent from Lake Sevan. As of today

nearly 10 million cubic meters were vented. As of June 28

Lake Sevan was1900, 48m above the sea level, which is

higher in 24cm compared with the same day last year and is

L.Asoyan, Gavar

18cm higher compared with the result of this year May 28. According to the schedule approved by state water

management committee of the RoA territorial management ministry 20 million cubic meters of water is

envisaged to be vent from Lake Sevan in July.


11/11

These nutrients find their way through river systems into seas, sometimes creating coastal ocean zones

void of oxygenand therefore aquatic lifeand making the connection between land and sea painfully

obvious. When you dump paint down the drain, it often ends up in the ocean, via freshwater systems.

In the developed world, regulation has restricted industry and agricultural operations from pouring

pollutants into lakes, streams, and rivers. Technology has also offered a solution in the form of

expensive filtration and treatment plants that make our drinking water safe to consume. Some cities are

even promoting "green" infrastructure, such as green roofs and rain gardens, as a way to naturally filter

out pollutants. But you may find a different picture in parts of the developing world, where there is less

infrastructurepolitically, economically, and technicallyto deal with the barrage of pollution threats

facing freshwater and all of the species that rely on it.

Fast FactsIn developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters, polluting the

usable water supply.

On average, 99 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fertilizers and chemicals are used each year.

Portland, Oregon, is actively pursing green roofs and green streets to prevent sewer overflows into

the Willamette River. Chicago, Illinois, now has more than 517,000 acres (209,222 hectares) of

vegetated roofsmore than any other U.S. citywhich are helping to catch storm water, cool the urban

environment, and provide opportunities for rooftop gardens.

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/

Global Environmental Problems

For suggestions and feedback feel free to call:

phone: +374 264 6 15 11

fax:: +374 264 2 34 29

mob: +374 91 76 46 41, Email: [email protected]

http://www.aarhus.am

Water pollutionFind out, whats in the water?

Discharge from a Chinese fertilizer factory winds its way toward

the Yellow River.

Photograph by Greg Girard

As technology improves, scientists are able to detect more

pollutants, and at smaller concentrations, in Earths freshwater

bodies. Containing traces of contaminants ranging from birth

control pills and sunscreen to pesticides and petroleum, our

planet's lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater are often a

chemical cocktail. Beyond synthetic pollution, freshwater is also

the end point for biological waste, in the form of human sewage,

animal excrement, and rainwater runoff flavored by nutrient-rich

fertilizers from yards and farms.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/

Documents

N 3 E Letter May June 2011 Eng