Baku: NGOs have developed a topographic and satellite imagery-based digital map detailing the ecological consequences of Armenia’s mining industry, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Environmental Protection First (EPF) Coalition has launched an interactive digital map of Armenia’s mining enterprises that are polluting the environment of the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. The digital map serves as a database and has been prepared in Azerbaijani, English, and Armenian.
Mugabil Bayramov, Chairman of the Azerbaijani Cartographers Public Union and a member of the Coalition, stated that a team of professionals worked on this unique resource for more than a year. He noted that the Environmental Protection First Coalition had previously prepared a map called “Mineral Raw Materials Resources of the Republic of Armenia” in 2024, and the new digital map has been significantly expanded based on that work. The interactive map includes information on mineral types, their locations, major polluting enterprises, and the substances contaminating rivers. Bayramov emphasized the use of the modern “WGS-84” coordinate system, allowing users to obtain detailed information by clicking on objects. The map provides the names of raw material processing enterprises, operating companies, and their environmental impact, along with photo and video evidence.
Amin Mammadov, co-founder of the EPF Coalition and Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, called for an immediate stop to the ecocide activities of Armenia and foreign companies disregarding environmental norms. He highlighted the support from environmental organizations worldwide and mentioned discussions at major international forums, including the UN Civil Society Forum and COP29. Mammadov also noted that Iranian media had begun discussing the issue, with reports of the Araz River being polluted by Armenian mining operations.
The chairman of the Iranian Mining House, Mohammad Reza Bahraman, had previously expressed concerns about wastewater from Armenian copper mines being discharged into the Araz River, a matter that the Iranian government has overlooked.
MP Parvana Valiyeva, co-founder of the EPF Coalition, urged Armenia to allow Azerbaijani NGOs to conduct joint environmental monitoring of its mining enterprises. She criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for ignoring appeals for transparency regarding Environmental Impact Assessment documents.
Valiyeva praised the launch of the interactive digital map, noting its inclusion of Azerbaijani national place names and historical references, which she deemed important for preserving the memory of Western Azerbaijan.
Sabit Baghirov, another co-founder of the EPF Coalition, suggested that the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative should enhance environmental standards in its framework. He called for the involvement of the UN Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in addressing the issue.
The interactive digital map prepared by the EPF Coalition is set to be posted on the Coalition’s website in the coming days.