We Have a Problem Establishing the Institutional Framework of the Sevan National Park, Says Environment Minister

Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan held an extensive consultation meeting today at the Sevan National Park. The meeting was attended by the entire staff of the national park's central apparatus along with representatives from subordinate divisions and special maintenance units.

In a statement on his Facebook page, the minister welcomed the attendees and reaffirmed that the executive authority of the country, in this case, the Ministry of Environment, is determined to address all issues facing the sector, overcome challenges, and ultimately establish state institutions that align with the roadmap and vision we have set.

He informed participants that our political team, led by the Prime Minister, is firmly committed to achieving economic stability and has already developed a comprehensive program to counter the social and economic crisis, with a range of tools soon to be implemented to stimulate economic activity. These initiatives will help alleviate social conditions and attract significant investments.

However, it is essential that each individual understands they are part of the team responsible for implementing these reforms, walking the same path, and sharing our unwavering commitment to bringing the country out of its difficult situation.

In addition to the implementation of anti-crisis measures, I emphasized the importance of the reform processes initiated in the Sevan National Park prior to the war and the uninterrupted continuation of current programs.

Weeks ago, during a meeting at the Ministry of Environment, I instructed that we restart the processes aimed at addressing the previously identified issues facing Lake Sevan with renewed vigor. Today, I presented our roadmap and priorities for action to a broader audience in this context.

We need to analyze the results and, if necessary, review and amend the procedures for industrial fishing in Lake Sevan, its organization, licensing, and oversight. There is a pressing need to strengthen the oversight functions and implement a mechanism to balance conflicting interests.

We should work on dismantling illegal constructions, relocating construction waste, and cleaning submerged areas. We must gather as much data as possible and regulate the process of leasing rights for the lakeshore areas. No new contracts will be signed with any lessee unless they present an investment program that meets our criteria, install a treatment facility, and create jobs.

There is a significant need to dramatically increase the effectiveness of our activities. We face the challenge of establishing the institutional framework of the Sevan National Park, restoring order in the state oversight areas of the Lake Sevan basin, and re-evaluating values at the professional and administrative-legal levels.

Everyone has a massive workload ahead, from office workers to members of the special monitoring unit. The foundation of everyone's activities should be serving the interests of the state and its citizens.

We also discussed the concerns raised by the employees of the Sevan National Park through a Q&A session.

Indeed, a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.