Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

This complaint was submitted by the EcoLur” Informational NGO, the Armenian Forests NGO, the Green Armenia NGO, and the CEE Bankwatch Network in 2020 concerning the construction of the Amulsar Gold mine, of which the construction was already advanced.

The project is situated within the Emerald Network Site "Djermuk" area (AM0000009) and, according to the complaint, could have further significant impacts on other Emerald sites "Sevan" National park (AM0000002) and "Gorhajk" area (AM0000013). These Emerald sites are home to many species protected under Annex II of the Bern Convention, such as the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), grey wolf (Canis lupus), bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and brown bear (Ursus arctos).

The complaint stated that the project foresees excavating metal ore from open pits and extracting gold with cyanide in a heap leach facility which would pollute the Arpa River and cause further damage to species and habitats through pollution of waters that flow into the three candidate sites, including the reservoir that reverts water into Sevan Lake. Additionally, according to the complaint, the construction of the mine leads to the direct destruction of habitats during earthworks and site clearance, the deterioration of habitats, the killing of animals and plants during construction and exploitation, the destruction of breeding and wintering habitats as well as the disturbance and increased poaching on species populations, because of 24-hour noise and light and enhanced permeability of the habitat.

In 2021, the Bureau reiterated its call to halt any developments that can negatively affect the habitats and species protected under the Convention, whether it pertains to an Emerald Network site or not.

In 2023, with signs of a possible re-opening of the mine, the Bureau decided to elevate this case to a Possible File, thus bringing it to the attention of the 43rd Standing Committee, which, at that meeting, reiterated the calls of the Bureau for the Armenian authorities to halt the construction of the gold mine, to revise the existing ESIA, and to speed up the declaration process of Jermuk National Park. The potential need for an OSA would be considered in 2024.

 Key Timeline

• 2020 - Case registration

 Other countries possibly concerned

• N/A

 Other international organisations involved

• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

 Documents

Complaint form

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents