Azerbaijan Files New Claim Against Armenia Demanding Compensation

On January 18, 2023, Azerbaijan initiated its first inter-state arbitration process under the "Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats" (Bern Convention). It has been reported that the aim of this case is to hold Armenia accountable for the extensive destruction of Azerbaijan's environment and biodiversity during nearly 30 years of illegal occupation of internationally recognized territories, as disclosed by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is noted that the massive deforestation carried out by Armenia has resulted in pollution of the lands, illegal construction, and mining activities in areas that were protected zones before the occupation, jeopardizing over 500 species of wildlife in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan calls on the international community to condemn Armenia for the devastation caused during the occupation of one of the world’s richest and biologically diverse ecosystems.

Within the framework of the arbitration process, Azerbaijan demands that Armenia put an end to all ongoing violations of the Bern Convention and pay full compensation for the destruction of the environment in the occupied territories.

It is worth mentioning that this statement comes from a country engaged in oil production, and photographs are regularly circulated showing the dire conditions of the settlements located near mining areas.