BICYCLE RACE DEDICATED TO RESCUE OF TEGHUT FOREST TO START IN YEREVAN ON APRIL 20
Noyan Tapan
April 18, 2008
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, NOYAN TAPAN. On the initiative of a group of
young environmentalists, another bicycle race dedicated to the
rescue of Teghut forest will start at the Matenadaran (Yerevan) on
April 20. According to a press release submitted to NT, large-scale
deforestation is underway with the aim of operating a copper and
molybdenum mine in Teghut, as a result of which a huge ecosystem will
be destroyed.
"At least 600 ha of forests (about 200 thousand trees) will be cut
down as a result of the mine’s operation. 55 thousand rare trees
and 45 thousand valuable trees of Teghut, as well as numerous plant
and animal species registered in the Red Book will disappear in this
area. The tailing dumps to form due to the mine’s operation and their
long-term impact on the environment are especially alarming. The
penetration of heavy metals and other harmful substances into the
land, water and air basin will cause enormous damage both to human
health and environment," is said in the press release.