PRESS RELEASE
June 8, 2006

Armenia Joins International Community in Commemorating United Nations World Environment Day, with a Focus on Illegal Logging and Desertification

Karine Danielyan, head of the Association For Sustainable Human Development, Consuelo Vidal, United Nations Resident Coordinator, and Simon Papyan, Deputy Minister of Nature Protection, at the program hosted by the UN in Armenia for World Environment Day

YEREVAN--The United Nations Development Programme and a wide range of partners in Armenia jointly marked World Environment Day (WED) on June 5. A number of environmental NGOs and individuals attended the WED celebrations, where a new film on illegal logging titled “From Need to Greed” was premiered.

The documentary was funded by Armenia Tree Project (ATP), Armenian Forests NGO, and the World Wildlife Fund Caucasus Office, and produced by Vem Media Arts. Another event was hosted by American University of Armenia (AUA) later that evening, where the film was followed by presentations from two leading forestry experts in Armenia.

The WED theme for 2006 was Deserts and Desertification, and the slogan “Don't Desert Drylands” emphasized the importance of protecting drylands--arid and semi-arid regions that are home to more than two billion of the world’s most vulnerable people. World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

During a conference at the UN with Simon Papyan, Deputy Minister of Nature Protection, and Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Vidal provided background on Armenia’s historical forest cover. “According to historical data, forests covered 20 percent of Armenia at the turn of the 20th century, but by the early 1990s this area was reduced to 11.2 percent and is now below 10 percent,” stated the UN official.

“We would like today to call upon the government, civil society, media representatives, and general public to combine their efforts towards preventing desertification. Applying sustainable agriculture practices, measures to prevent landslides, forests’ rehabilitation, appropriate waste disposal practices, and increasing awareness of threats posed by desertification and its causes already would make a big difference,” noted Ms. Vidal.

Mr. Papyan outlined the efforts of the Ministry of Nature Protection in beginning to address environmental problems including the adoption of a draft law on Environmental Impact Assessments. He called for closer collaboration between NGOs and the government in addressing environmental issues. “We are capable of making brilliant decisions when we work together,” stated Mr. Papyan.

Karine Danielyan, head of the Association For Sustainable Human Development, presented her observations regarding desertification and deforestation. “A recent public opinion poll indicated that from a total of 500 people, none found the condition of the environment in Yerevan to be ‘good’ or ‘normal,’ while 32.3 percent are convinced it is ‘extremely endangered,’” said Ms. Danielyan. “We are turning Yerevan to a desertified city with concrete and stone constructions instead of greenery.”

Premiere of ‘From Need to Greed’ Documentary

The event continued with the screening of the new film “From Need to Greed,” for the audience of nearly 100 people, which documents deforestation and illegal logging in Armenia. Vache Kirakosyan, Director of Operations for ATP, cited the need for broader public education on environmental issues as the reason ATP joined with other NGOs to support the creation of this and 10 other films about Armenia’s environment.

“The situation is different than it was in the early 1990s with the energy crisis,” noted Armenian Forests NGO President Jeffrey Tufenkian in the film. “There is still need-based cutting for people who can’t afford fuel other than wood, but it has moved from need to greed. The greed of a few who are taking truckloads of wood out of the forest and keeping local villagers from entering the forest.”

AUA Environment Conservation and Research Center Screening

Another event correlated with WED was hosted by AUA later that evening. The AUA Environment Conservation and Research Center (ECRC) organized the second public preview of “From Need to Greed,” hosted by ECRC head Dr. Renee Richer. After the film, two leading forestry experts in Armenia discussed their latest research.

Dr. Hovik Sayadyan, head of the Forestry Department of the Armenian Agricultural Academy, presented his recently published research on “Forest Policies, Management and Conservation in Soviet and Post-Soviet Armenia” and “Evolution of the Forest Cover in Armenia.” The material shows how dramatically the extent and condition of Armenia’s forest ecosystems have decreased since independence in 1991. This decline is not only a consequence of the recent history of the area, but also the result of improper forest policies, management, and forest-use practices.

Armen Asryan from Agricultural Academy Forestry Department and ECRC then presented his research study on “Mapping Armenian Deforestation,” which uses remote sensing technologies. The results of his research will be used to assist public agencies, NGOs, and international organizations document the problem and formulate appropriate policies and programs.

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