YEREVAN. – Eighty-one percent of Armenia is susceptible to desertification, “EcoLur” NGO Director Inga Zarafyan said during a press conference on Monday. 

According to her, the Government is proposing preventive measures, but, at the same time—and with the decision of the same government—the agricultural lands of Armenia have reduced between 2008 and 2011.

“The industrial water consumption increased by 7-13 percent. Consequently, water pollution likewise increased],” Zarafyan added.

The environmentalist also informed that around 30,000 hectares of agricultural areas in Ararat Valley are not used, albeit their status as agricultural areas is unchanged.  

“Considering the conflicts of interests, our government needs to accept that the combat against desertification in Armenia is carried out at the level of calls and good wishes alone,” Inga Zarafyan stated.       

As a means to the aforesaid combat, the environmentalist suggested that changes need to be made in the legislation, so that those who make use of natural resources likewise make payments in order to direct these means for the restoration of the ecological balance.    

To note, the World Day to Combat Desertification is observed on Monday, June 17.