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Arminia’s Environmental Legislation Gets a Boost

Strengthening Environmental Compliance

Yerevan, Armenia - The Armenian government has taken significant steps to strengthen its environmental legislation, ensuring compliance with European Union standards and international agreements.

Importance of Environmental Regulations

According to a recent report, the country’s legal and permitting framework plays a crucial role in environmental compliance. The quality and clarity of environmental regulations directly impact the behavior of regulated entities, making it essential for the government to ensure that laws are up-to-date and effective.

Key Developments

  • In March 2021, Armenia’s Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union came into force, covering environmental compliance matters.
  • The agreement foresees the approximation of provisions of the Environmental Liability Directive and the Industrial Emissions Directive.
  • Armenia has ratified 20 international agreements, including the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention).
  • The country has translated the UNECE Maastricht Recommendations on Promoting Effective Public Participation in Decision-making in Environmental Matters and participates in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Regulation of Emissions and Water Use

  • Government resolutions regulate permitted levels of emissions in Armenia.
  • Entities that exceed a certain emission volume threshold are required to obtain an environmental permit.
  • Permits are also needed for water use, except in cases specified in the Water Code of Armenia.

Improvements in Environmental Legislation

  • The Law on Inspection Bodies, adopted in 2014, sets out key elements of compliance monitoring and enforcement activities across all sectors of the economy.
  • A Methodology and General Description of Criteria Determining Risks-Decree on the Risk Assessment Conducted by the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body of Armenia was adopted in 2019.

Expected Outcomes

These developments are expected to enhance transparency and public participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed effectively.