Armenia must address desertification issue, ecologist says

PanARMENIAN.Net - Because of its geographical location, climatic conditions and biodiversity, Armenia is among the countries facing acute desertification problems, a member of International Academy of Ecology stated.

At news conference in Yerevan, Ashot Khoetsyan urged for addressing the issue, noting that approx. 80% of Armenia’s territory is subject to desertification, with the situation close to dramatic in 30% of territories indicated. The expert cited lack of knowledge in the usage of resources and unawareness of the problem as the reason.

As Mr. Khoetsyan noted, although in 1997 Armenian joined the international UN convention for the struggle against desertification, Armenian government has failed to address the issue properly or provide satisfactory financing.

In the framework of the Convention, an international grant was allocated to solve primary water supply issues in Kotayk province and landslide problems in Tavush.