Romanos Petrasyan Orders Suspension of Activities at White Shorja Recreation Area

The Minister of Environment, Romanos Petrasyan, held a meeting with the Acting Director of the State Non-Commercial Organization "Sevan National Park," Ara Khloyan. It is essential to urgently inventory the issues within the scope of the activities of the subordinate organizations of the Ministry of Environment and propose short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions. There are various issues at different levels that must be addressed swiftly, starting with inventory and then moving on to solutions.

The current situation of illegal construction along the shores of Lake Sevan was discussed. A program will be developed aimed at deep reforms and rectifications, which will include short-term and long-term steps.

The minister has made observations regarding the review, tightening of measures against poaching, and the restructuring of the current system for organizing industrial fishing. There will be a more detailed discussion on this issue in the near future.

The financial situation of "Sevan National Park" was also addressed. An audit commissioned by the ministry has already commenced in the national park. Following the audit, a development concept will be prepared based on a financial recovery program in collaboration with a consulting company, as proposed by the minister.

In the shortest time possible, opportunities for current management and effective preservation concerning economic activities in the coastal areas will be granted to the national park.

By the minister's order, the activities at the "White Shorja" recreation area near Sevan will be suspended, and all illegally installed booths and entertainment infrastructure will be dismantled as soon as possible. This recreation area has recently been widely covered in the media, and its association with certain political circles has been highlighted.

According to the minister, this step is being taken because the operator holds no legal status over the area. The acting director of the national park will inform the operator that their activities will be suspended shortly and that the illegal structures will be dismantled promptly.

This must be done with decisive and firm actions. The Minister of Environment guarantees that in the future, such areas will be provided to operators exclusively through a competitive process and in strict compliance with existing laws and procedures.

The minister's first visit outside the capital is scheduled for Sevan National Park, where they will also stop at the shore to familiarize themselves with the work already undertaken.