Illegal Fishing, Deforestation: Results of Inspections

During inspections and administrative proceedings conducted by the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body, 56 violations were recorded, with damage to the environment calculated at 25,550,516 AMD in 29 cases. Additionally, fines totaling 2,570,000 AMD were imposed in 29 cases.

The inspection body issued a report detailing the inspections numerically.

Protection of Plant Life

A total of 29 violations were reported, causing environmental damage of 25,372,830 AMD in 23 cases, with administrative fines of 770,000 AMD imposed in 7 cases.

In Lori, there were 5 cases of illegal logging (17 plane trees, 1 willow, 38 beech trees, 10 persimmons, 19 poplars, 196 oaks, 9 hazels, 3 junipers, 2 cherries) resulting in environmental damage calculated at 22,336,500 AMD. For 2 previously recorded cases of illegal timber transportation, an administrative fine of 200,000 AMD was imposed.

In Tavush, there were 2 cases of illegal logging (1 plane tree, 2 pines) leading to environmental damage of 60,000 AMD, and 4 cases of illegal timber transportation (0.85 cubic meters of firewood, 1.5 cubic meters of waste firewood, 15.7 cubic meters of crosscut boards) resulted in damage of 1,716,700 AMD. An administrative fine of 270,000 AMD was imposed for 2 previously recorded illegal timber transportation cases.

In Gegharkunik, there were 7 cases of illegal logging (7 aspens, 1 dry aspen, 5 willows, 1 dry thorn, 2 dry oaks, 1 oak, 6 pines, 1 dry pine) causing damage of 526,250 AMD, and 1 case of illegal timber transportation (4.33 cubic meters of wood) resulted in damage of 155,880 AMD. For 1 previously recorded case of illegal logging, environmental damage was calculated at 131,250 AMD, with fines of 200,000 AMD imposed in 2 cases.

In Yerevan, 1 case of illegal logging (1 willow, 1 Virginia cedar) resulted in environmental damage of 330,000 AMD. In Syunik, 1 case of illegal logging (4 beeches, 1 oak) caused damage of 78,000 AMD. In Armavir, for 1 previously recorded case of illegal logging, damage was calculated at 38,250 AMD, with a fine of 100,000 AMD imposed.

Protection of Animal Life

A total of 4 violations were reported. In Gegharkunik, 4 cases of illegal fishing (55 fish of the species Carp weighing 20.6 kg) resulted in damage of 103,000 AMD.

Atmospheric Air and Water Protection

Only 1 violation was reported. In Gegharkunik, 1 case of terrain violation resulted in damage of 69,778 AMD, with a fine of 50,000 AMD imposed.

A total of 4 inspections were summarized, resulting in administrative fines of 800,000 AMD. In Kotayk, an inspection at “Ani Ajemyan Resort” LLC resulted in a fine of 300,000 AMD.

In Yerevan, an inspection at “SPS Sigaron” LLC led to a fine of 50,000 AMD. An earlier inspection at “Shinvector” LLC resulted in a fine of 150,000 AMD. In Ararat, a prior inspection at “Fishart” LLC resulted in a fine of 300,000 AMD.

Protection of Mineral Resources

1 case was reported. In Gegharkunik, for a previously recorded case of illegal subsurface usage, damage was calculated at 4,908 AMD.

Failure to Submit Reports

For 17 cases of failure to submit the combined quarterly tax reports for environmental tax and nature use fee within the stipulated time, an administrative fine of 950,000 AMD was imposed. 8 cases have been sent to the RA Ministry of Environment for further action (totaling 450,000 AMD in fines). During this period, 3,968,100 AMD was deposited into the state budget of the Republic of Armenia.