Clarification from the Ministry of Environment of Armenia Regarding the Destruction of Forest in Sevan National Park

The Ministry of Environment of Armenia has issued a clarification regarding the post circulating online titled “Approximately 1.5 hectares of FOREST were destroyed in the area of Sevan National Park, near the beginning of the Sevan-Gavar highway.”

“On May 19, 2022, a competition was announced for organizing water activities, improving, and servicing public beach N5 among other beaches. On June 9, the committee examined the submitted applications and one of the investment programs was recognized as the winner. The beach is located in the coastal area from the Sevan-Gavar highway into the lake, within the administrative boundaries of the Sevan community, in the Lchashen settlement (1.37 ha). The beach is being used by other renters towards Gavar.”

“Prior to the start of the improvement works, studies and inventory were conducted by the Sevan National Park. The area was cleared exclusively of reed and shrubbery; no trees were cut down. The cleaning works were carried out by specialists of the Sevan National Park.”

“We would also like to inform that there is periodic misinformation and various speculations on social media regarding the services provided at public beaches. In order to keep our citizens free from unnecessary speculations, we would like to clarify that the process is under the attention of the Ministry of Environment, strict requirements are imposed on investment programs, and everything is being done to organize coastal activities properly and in accordance with all standards.”