Environment Minister: Over 900 violations recorded in 2025
ArmInfo.The Environmental Patrol Service of the Armenian Ministry of Environment recorded 903 violations in 2025, as stated by Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan during a press conference in Yerevan, presenting the results of 2025.
He noted that these violations resulted in 523 million drams worth of damage to nature and wildlife (approximately $1.4 million), with fines totaling 14.3 million drams (approximately $38,000). "Since April 11, 2025, the Syunik Regional Administration has compensated environmental damage in the amount of 40.3 million drams (approximately $106,000), with fines amounting to 1.6 million drams (approximately $4,000)," he added. Speaking about achievements, the Minister emphasized the digitalization of the ministry's services in 2025. "Of the 29 licenses, 24 are already being issued electronically, an increase of 12 from the previous year," Matevosyan noted.
In this context, he also announced that, starting September 1, 2026, water use permits will be issued exclusively electronically. According to Matevosyan, a total of 4,243 contracts for recreational fishing and 196 for hunting were signed in 2025. Regarding water resource management, Matevosyan noted the importance of preserving water resources in the face of climate change. He reported that the annual restorative capacity of the Ararat Valley's groundwater resources was set at 926 million cubic meters in December 2025, a decrease from the previous figure of 1.1 billion cubic meters. In this regard, he noted that the volume of water use permits for fish farming in the Ararat Valley in 2025 was 802 million cubic meters. "This regulation will reduce groundwater use in the Ararat Valley by 36.5% over the next 1.5 years," the Minister said.
To restore the valuable fish species to ecosystems, Matevosyan continued, 2,500 parent fish of the trout family were released, resulting in the restoration of 80,000 individuals. "In 2026, we plan to release 50,000 trout into the upper reaches of the Dzoraget River," the Minister added. In the context of sustainable use of bioresources, Matevosyan recalled that a whitefish harvest quota of 1,123 tons was set for 2025, an increase of 436 tons compared to the previous year. "The actual harvest was 1,103 tons, with sales amounting to 72.5 million drams," Matevosyan noted.
Introducing the new restrictions, he stated that, starting July 1, 2026, it will be prohibited to discharge untreated wastewater into the general sewer system. Furthermore, he noted that the fee for wildlife management has been revised. According to Matevosyan, it will double in 2026, and the fee per kilogram of whitefish will approximately triple. Regarding the situation in Sevan National Park, the Minister pointed out that 148 illegal buildings were dismantled between 2021 and 2025. According to Matevosyan, 2025 was also an important year for the Ministry due to new legislative initiatives. "A law was created to comply with international standards, completely revising the protection and management of natural areas," he clarified.
In conclusion, the Minister also addressed reforestation efforts. In 2025, reforestation work was carried out on an area of approximately 260 hectares using state funds. In addition, 474 hectares of forested areas were restored with the support of the UN World Food Programme.