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Today a conference titled “Ecotourism in Armenia 2017” was held at the American University of Armenia (AUA). The event aimed at promoting the development of ecotourism in Armenia by offering a platform for exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as creating a network of stakeholders. During the speech delivered by Armenia’s Minister of Nature Protection Artsvik Minasyan at the conference, a group of activists, who recently voiced about the illegal earthworks conducted at the territory near Gosh Lake, began chanting ‘Stay away from Gosh’. Afterward, upon the minister’s initiation he had a meeting with the activists in a separate hall.

Armenia’s Minister of Nature Protection said pursuant to the contract concluded on 23 June 2015, Vender LLC has used the territory around the lake in order to establish a resort zone and to deliver services there.

“There is a requirement according to which prior to the implementation of any great project an eco-expertise must be conducted. In addition, a number of demands have been put in front of them to protect the ecosystems of the environment. No activities will be conducted there as long as the expertise and discussions are not conducted.

He said that the activities conducted by the company in the area are explained as sludge removal from certain parts of the lake. The minister also added that currently a probe is underway to reveal the individuals who have ignored the demands and began carrying out activities before the above-mentioned processes.

“It is crucial to me what is being done and what impacts it can leave, instead of who is doing it,” A. Minasyan underscored, adding that whatever changes have been made in the lake area, will be restored, i.e. the removed sludge will be restored.

The minister ruled out the construction of a permanent building in the territory.

Artsvik Minasyan and the activists agreed to hold another meeting on 22 April.

To note, yesterday the activists gathered in front of the building of the Ministry of Nature Protection expressing the same demand.