New Legal Approaches to Forest Restoration and Protection Discussed – EPMIB

Today, Head of the Environmental Protection and Mining Insection Body (EPMIB) Hovhannes Martirosyan took part in a roundtable discussion organized by the Armenian Forest Alliance titled “Improving the Legal Framework to Shape a New Approach to Afforestation in Armenia.”

During his remarks, Mr. Martirosyan addressed the main challenges facing forest restoration and protection efforts in Armenia, including the ongoing wildfires that have broken out simultaneously in several regions, posing a threat to both forests and nearby communities.

Emphasizing the round-the-clock efforts of relevant authorities to contain the fires as quickly as possible, the Head of the Inspection Body underlined the need for improvements and reforms in wildfire prevention and management systems.

Mr. Martirosyan also presented the environmental impacts and consequences of vegetation and leaf litter burning, as well as statistical data on administrative enforcement measures implemented by the Inspection Body.

Speakers at the event also included Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia, H.E. Ms. Andrea Baumann, and representatives of foundations and non-governmental organizations.

The purpose of the event was to bring together the experience and ideas of representatives from state bodies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector in order to identify possible ways to enhance forest restoration efforts in Armenia.