{"id":9910,"date":"2026-10-14T10:49:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/armla.am\/en\/?p=9910"},"modified":"2026-10-14T10:49:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:49:33","slug":"statement-on-the-need-to-preserve-the-biocultural-diversity-of-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-independently-assess-the-natural-environment-and-protect-the-environmental-and-cultural-rights-of-the-forc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/armla.am\/en\/9910.html","title":{"rendered":"STATEMENT . On the Need to Preserve the Biocultural Diversity of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Independently Assess the Natural Environment, and Protect the Environmental and Cultural Rights of the Forcibly Displaced Population"},"content":{"rendered":"

We, the representatives of the CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh, recognising the importance of biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and effective public participation in environmental decision-making, express our concern regarding the environmental and biocultural consequences of the forced displacement of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.<\/p>\n

In September 2023, approximately 120,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and relocated to Armenia. The displacement not only resulted in the loss of homes, property, and livelihoods, but also disrupted the intergenerational ties that had developed between communities and the natural, cultural, and social environments of their historical settlements.<\/p>\n

These ties encompass traditional knowledge of land cultivation, water resource use, pasture management, forest conservation, and local biodiversity. The forced removal of those who hold this knowledge may jeopardise its continued practice and transmission to future generations, thereby also affecting the capacity to protect the natural environment. Traditional agriculture, irrigation and water supply systems, forests and pastures, sacred sites, and cultural practices associated with rural settlements together constitute a unique biocultural system. Its disruption represents a loss of biocultural diversity.<\/p>\n

In the context of environmental issues in Nagorno-Karabakh, it is also necessary to address the potential damage inflicted on the natural environment during the hostilities of 2020. Reports concerning damage to forest areas, fires, and the use of phosphorus-containing munitions require factual investigation. An independent assessment of the condition of soil, water, vegetation, forest ecosystems, and biodiversity would make it possible to determine the nature and extent of potential damage and develop scientifically sound restoration measures.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the obstruction of movement through the Lachin Corridor from 12 December 2022, in the context of a protest presented as being motivated by environmental concerns, and its humanitarian consequences demonstrate that environmental justifications must be transparent, verifiable, and consistent with applicable international law. On 22 February 2023, the International Court of Justice indicated a provisional measure requiring Azerbaijan to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Environmental objectives cannot, in themselves, justify disproportionate restrictions on humanitarian access. The stated reason for the blockade was environmental monitoring of the Kashen (Demirli) and Drmbon (Gizilbulag) mines, whereas industrial exploitation at the Kashen mine has been under way since 2025. The same standards of transparency and verifiability must also apply today, including through the publication of environmental impact assessments and independent monitoring of mining and infrastructure projects carried out in the area. Such assessments should also be guided by the Convention’s voluntary Akw\u00e9: Kon Guidelines, ensuring the meaningful participation of displaced communities.<\/p>\n

These environmental concerns must be considered within the relevant frameworks of international law. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasises the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the participation and approval of their holders, and the protection of the customary use of biological resources where such use is compatible with conservation or sustainable-use requirements (Articles 8(j) and 10(c)). The Convention also provides for the assessment of potentially significant adverse effects on biodiversity and for measures to prevent or minimise such effects (Article 14). The Tkarihwai\u00e9 Code of Ethical Conduct, adopted under the Convention in 2010, recognises the intrinsic connection of Indigenous and local communities with their sacred sites and traditionally occupied lands and waters. It establishes the ethical principle that activities related to biodiversity should not result in their forced relocation and that, wherever possible, they should have the right to return to their traditional lands. These principles should be taken into account in all conservation and restoration programmes to be implemented in Nagorno-Karabakh, should any such programmes be planned.<\/p>\n

The Kunming\u2013Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, also underscores the importance of the effective participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity-related decision-making, access to information and justice, and respect for their rights. In this context, the traditional knowledge and experience of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, as the Indigenous population of the region, must be taken into account. The provisions and principles of the Convention and the Kunming\u2013Montreal Framework concerning Indigenous peoples and local communities provide an important basis for preserving this knowledge, ensuring the participation of displaced communities, and protecting their ties with the natural environment.<\/p>\n

The rules of international humanitarian law applicable during armed conflict are also relevant to the protection of the natural environment. These rules prohibit methods and means of warfare that are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment. This prohibition is enshrined in Articles 35(3) and 55 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. The International Committee of the Red Cross also recognises it as a rule of customary international humanitarian law (Rule 45). Principle 24 of the International Law Commission’s Draft Principles on Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts, taken note of by the UN General Assembly in Resolution 77\/104 (2022), provides for the need for cooperation among relevant actors, including States and international organisations, in post-conflict environmental assessments and restoration measures. UN Human Rights Council Resolution 48\/13 (2021) and UN General Assembly Resolution 76\/300 (2022), recognising the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, likewise underscore the interconnection between environmental issues and human rights.<\/p>\n

These international frameworks provide an important basis for highlighting the need to assess potential damage to the natural environment, preserve traditional knowledge, and ensure community participation in environmental decision-making. At the same time, issues concerning property, the right to return to historical settlements, and other rights must be considered under the relevant provisions of international law applicable to those matters.<\/p>\n

In light of the above, we call upon the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, participants in COP17, the Secretariat of the Convention, relevant United Nations bodies, international organisations, the scientific community, and civil society representatives to:<\/p>\n