OSCE-supported workshop focuses on environmental challenges in Armenia

The OSCE Office in Yerevan in partnership with Yerevan State University’s Centre on Sustainable Development organized a workshop on problems and solutions related to sustainable use of natural resources and environmental planning in Armenia on 10 November 2015 in the Armenian capital.
The workshop gathered representatives from state institutions, scientific and business communities and civil society to discuss environmental challenges in the country, transparency and accountability, current issues in the mining sector, mineral and water resources policies, environmental issues related to hydropower exploitation, and mining and its environmental impact.
Experts from the Centre on Sustainable Development, which was established by the OSCE Office in 2012, brought major issues to the attention of the civil society and state representatives, and presented research aimed at improving and promoting efficiency in the use of natural resources and environmental management.
Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, said: “Addressing environmental challenges is of crucial importance to the security of society, and we hope that ensuring public participation in environmental decision-making in line with OSCE principles will help improve governance, inform public debate, and enhance trust.”
Along with the Ambassador Sorokin, Armenia’s Minister of Nature Protection Aramayis Grigoryan, the Dean of Yerevan State University Faculty of Geography and Geology Marat Grigoryan, and the Vice- rector of Yerevan State University Gegham Gevorgyan, participated in discussions.
Ruben Movsisyan, Head of the Centre on Sustainable Development, said: “We hope that certain steps will be taken to address the issues and flaws in the area of transparency and accountability of mining operations, and the effective use of natural and water resources.”
The Centre on Sustainable Development was established three years ago based on a memorandum of understanding between the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Yerevan State University. It aims to promote sustainable development and enhanced participation of civil society and the scientific community in environmental issues.