Environmental Protection First Coalition appeals to COP17, Leaders' Summit participants in Armenia

The Environmental Protection First (EPF) Coalition has appealed to the COP17 Presidency and the participants of the Leaders' Summit, planned to be held in Armenia under the motto "Leaders for Nature," urging them to pay attention to the environmental risks posed by Armenia's mining industry.

Report informs that the text of the appeal was read out at the event by Amin Mammadov, co-founder of the coalition.

The appeal notes that the coalition, which consists of Azerbaijani civil society activists, has been conducting public monitoring of the environmental impacts of Armenia's mining industry on the region's environment and transboundary rivers.

The authors recalled that COP17, planned to be held in Yerevan in October 2026, will represent a critical milestone for the global assessment of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The coalition said mining activities carried out in Armenia without following international environmental standards pose serious ecological risks to biodiversity, the environment, water resources and ecosystems across the South Caucasus region.

The document notes that several transboundary rivers originate in Armenia and flow into Azerbaijan. Observations and monitoring conducted downstream indicate that mining activities in the upper reaches and near-source areas of these rivers have led to harmful substance concentrations exceeding permissible standards.

In this regard, the coalition said it considers it essential to conduct joint monitoring missions within Armenia with the participation of international experts in order to ensure a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the current environmental situation. It also said Environmental Impact Assessment documentation of Armenia's mining enterprises should be made publicly available.

The appeal also emphasizes the importance of joint monitoring of transboundary waters, information exchange, the establishment of early warning mechanisms and public access to environmental information. The authors noted that Azerbaijan is a party to the UNECE Water Convention, while Armenia, as the upstream country for transboundary rivers flowing into Azerbaijan, is not a party to the Convention.

Special attention in the appeal is given to Armenia's obligations under the Espoo Convention. The coalition said states parties are obliged to inform neighboring countries and the public about economic activities conducted near shared borders, including mining operations, and to prepare and submit Environmental Impact Assessment reports regarding such activities.

The document also mentions the issue of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. The authors noted that although Armenia has been negotiating with partners regarding the replacement of the outdated nuclear reactor and the continuation of the plant's operations, it has not demonstrated public accountability regarding environmental impacts or measures to prevent radioactive contamination.

In conclusion, the coalition welcomed the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia following the historic Washington Summit, expressing the view that environmental justice can make a significant contribution to sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.

"We call upon the COP17 Presidency and the participants of the Leaders' Summit to encourage Armenia to adopt concrete and measurable decisions regarding the protection of transboundary rivers, the proper management of mining activities, the establishment of transparent monitoring mechanisms and implementation of monitoring activities, and ensuring public access to environmental information and data," the appeal said.