OSCE Yerevan Office honors environmental activists with certificates

YEREVAN, 22 December 2009 - Representatives of non-governmental organizations, Aarhus Centres and municipal governments were awarded certificates for their work to protect the environment at a conference organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan today to review progress and encourage further work in the field. 

The meeting that brought together representatives of civil society, government, business and the cultural community aimed to raise awareness on environmental matters and highlight the OSCE Office's work. The Armenian Minister of Nature Protection and the Human Rights Defender of Armenia took part in the event.

Certificate recipients included: Aarhus Centres in Yerevan, Gyumri, Hrazdan, Goris and Kapan supporting the implementation of the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters; the environmental NGOs Ecolur and Khazer; the Mayor of the southern city of Kajaran, and a representative of the Human Rights Defender's Office dealing with ecological rights.

"The involvement of all stakeholders and increased efforts of the government and the community are vital in promoting 'green democracy' said the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos. He emphasized the important role of the Office in promoting the co-operation between the civil society and the Ministries of Nature Protection and Territorial Administration. "By awarding these certificates, we acknowledge the progress achieved so far. We are committed to continuing our activities in this direction."

Amalia Hambartsumyan, the head of Khazer NGO that promotes environmental awareness and education in Armenia, added: "Civil activism is very important and we consider the support from the state and international organizations instrumental in finding lasting solutions to today's environmental challenges."