Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of 'Deforesting and Polluting the Caucasus Mountains'

Azerbaijan has accused Armenia of 'deforesting and polluting the Caucasus Mountains'. The country has initiated interstate arbitration proceedings under the framework of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.

Azerbaijani media have described this move as 'historic'. APA reports that 'the aim is to hold Armenia accountable for the widespread destruction of Azerbaijan's environment and biodiversity during the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories for nearly thirty years.'

According to a statement from the Azerbaijani government, 'Armenia has massively deforested and is responsible for the pollution of the Caucasus Mountains, which has put approximately 500 species of wildlife at risk.'