Armenia has launched the regional division of its Eco-Patrol Service in Tavush Province, making it the second region after Syunik where the service is now operational, in a move aimed at strengthening environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The launch ceremony took place in Ijevan and was attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as well as government ministers and local officials.
“This process will be continuous. I believe this marks a new phase in Armenia in terms of environmental awareness and attitudes,” Pashinyan said.
He stressed the importance of fostering public understanding that nature is one of the country’s most valuable assets.
“Today, we must recognize that forests and their protection can generate millions and even billions of drams in revenue for the Republic of Armenia and its people, as nature is already attracting significant tourist flows to the country and to Tavush Province,” the prime minister said.
Pashinyan added that several forest areas in Tavush are currently seeing investment in roads and other infrastructure aimed at boosting tourism and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
Pashinyan has called for an end to illegal logging in Armenia, emphasizing that forests should be seen as a source of long-term national wealth rather than short-term exploitation.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the launch of the Eco-Patrol Service’s Tavush regional division on Saturday, Pashinyan stressed the need to change public attitudes toward forests.
He noted that in some communities in the Tavush region, tourism based on surrounding forests has already created new business opportunities, generating higher revenues.
“Therefore, our forests are a great asset that belongs to the people, to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. We should not squander this capital, but instead use it in a way that brings increasing income to people, while it remains not only intact but also grows and develops,” Pashinyan said, also underscoring environmental and public health considerations.
The prime minister added that the Eco-Patrol Service, operating with new equipment and a modern approach, will be at the forefront of efforts to protect, develop, and pass on natural resources to future generations.
“This will all be meaningless if there is no real substance behind it, no real service, and no deep understanding of how important the work being done is. We must fully achieve our goal, and illegal logging must be brought to an end,” the prime minister said, adding that the launch of the service would be pointless unless this issue is clearly defined and addressed.
The Eco-Patrol Service was established in 2024 with a mandate to better protect Armenia’s natural resources.
