Green lungs

Yerevan's remaining green spaces are coming under increasing pressure from development. The latest to pick up on this theme is ArmeniaNow.com.

In 1995, Yerevan had 19.6 square meters of green area per capita. Today the number is 5.8.

Now, Yerevan is not alone in seeing its green spaces dwindle as the value of land increases and speculators try to make a profit from every undeveloped scrap of land. However, in the last few years the pace of this (often illegal) development has increased exponentially.

Statistics also show that in 1995 Yerevan had 1,200 hectares of parks. Today it has only 500.

Popular myth is that during the war years of 92-94 trees were cut down for fuel during the cold winters, but as the article points out, ''Everybody thinks that we lost a huge number of trees in 1992-1993 during cold and dark years," says association president Srbuhi Harutyunyan. "However, according to statistical data, the last five years have been more destructive."

What, apart from the growing property market, is to blame for this? Poor implementation of existing laws and corruption, according to some. The worrying trend here is the environmental impact that this destruction of trees is having.

Harutyunyan says Armenia is experiencing "desertification" and that signs of it can be seen in the wide difference between day and night temperatures. Another indication, specialists say, is the late afternoon strong winds that have become a daily occurrence in Yerevan. Once, the winds were stilled by trees, but now, they blow without hindrance, stirring dust and debris and causing minor health irritations for many. Some believe the trend can also be seen in the increase in fires in the capital. Last year, 112 brush fires were reported in Armenia. This year the number is 170, with 134 in Yerevan.

Read the full article.

Posted by Matt on September 05, 2004 | TrackBack | Email to a friend