A total of 1.5bn AMD were allocated from Armenia’s state budget to the RA Ministry of Nature Protection last year. Thirty-five programs were implemented on budgetary funds, and two on credits and grants.

The budget execution index reached 93.7% or 107%, with credits and grants included. Minister Aram Harutyunyan’s personal expenses totaled 37m AMD. He admitted the fact while speaking in Parliament. The Ministry staff costs totaled 700m AMD, with only 176m AMD directed to air pollution control. A total of 811m AMD were directed to environmental protection, mainly to reserves and national parks. The Minister pointed out the opening of two national parks, “Arevik” and “Arpi lich” last year. The Red Book of Armenia’s wild life has been compiled.

A total of 271m AMD were allocated for nature protection. The Ministry directed the funds to radwaste neutralization. According to the RA Control Chamber the funds totaled 28m AMD. Minister Harutyunyan also found it difficult to answer the following question: why were planted instead of the planned tree-planting work? The Minister pointed out a 67cm rise of the water level of Lake Sevan. He reported that a total of 260m AMD were allocated for the purification work on Sevan last year.

The Minister reported that a program of ecologically clean products is being elaborated in Armenia. The products will be sold in Armenia.

T.P.