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PRESS RELEASE
November 9, 2005

‘SOS Yerevan’ Protests Loss of Urban Green Spaces

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Hundreds of people, most notably young people, have been gathering to protest the loss of green spaces in public areas of Yerevan; in this photo signs read "Return our green spaces and clean air" and "What happened to the park by the Opera House and other parks in Yerevan?"

An open letter signed by citizens and coalition members at the forum is being delivered to President Robert Kocharian and other high-ranking officials in Armenia, demanding that they acknowledge the concerns of the coalition and present a solution to the problem.

Some of the solutions presented by the coalition include the establishment of a buffer zone around Komitas Hall, relocating cafes to less disruptive locations away from common use/green areas, and protecting and restoring the trees and other plants as well as benches for public use. The movement is also demanding the preservation of cultural and environmental assets, the enforcement of laws and codes of the Republic of Armenia, and the adherence to the terms of international environmental conventions signed by Armenia.

The forum was followed by a rally on October 29, with a march from Komitas Hall to Opera Square. There, on the improvised stage in front of the Opera House, three well-known musicians--Vahan Artsruni, Lilit Pipoyan, and Eduard Zorikyan--performed in support of the SOS Yerevan coalition and the hundreds of citizens who came out to protest the destruction of green spaces in Yerevan.

In addition to the environmental and social importance of the SOS Yerevan movement to protect and preserve green spaces in urban areas, the coalition has created renewed optimism about the advancement of civic involvement and participatory action in Armenia.

“The movement to protect Shikahogh and urban green spaces is a step forward in the development of civil society in Armenia. This united action from NGOs, international organizations, the Diaspora, and Armenian citizens gave proof that the voice of the people can be heard and can effect positive change,” stated ATP Foundation President Susan Yacubian Klein.

“We decided to become involved in these issues affecting our homeland, most notably because they have a direct impact on ATP’s mission of tree planting, community development, and environmental education and advocacy,” noted ATP Executive Director Jeff Masarjian. “As part of the SOS Yerevan coalition, we are helping to create a culture of environmental stewardship to protect the health and well-being of Yerevan’s current and future citizens. Advocating for the improvement of law enforcement and civil society development within Armenia will help ATP achieve its reforestation goals.”

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