ArmInfo. Implementation of the program "Ecology in exchange for debt", the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia puts at the forefront. "The program, in fact, is unprecedented - a country that has no problems with paying off foreign debt, is going to a similar step," Minister of Nature Protection Artsvik Minasyan told reporters on December 25.
According to him, in order to implement the program, a working commission has been set up at the moment. The idea has already been approved by the World Bank, which should provide technical assistance in implementing the program. As noted by the head of the Ministry of Defense, as a rule, the formula "Environmental program in exchange for debt" works in those countries that have problems with servicing the public external debt. As of today, Armenia does not face such tasks, but at the same time, attaches great importance to the use of this mechanism in order to invest in the environment, and, instead of making payments on external debt, invest in fauna and flora, as well as effective management of the republic's water resources. "As an example, Armenia owes Japan, and annually it is obliged to direct certain funds to service this debt, in turn, Japan has certain international obligations conditioned by the change in the global climate.Our task is to be able to reach agreement with the Japanese side, and the funds planned for servicing the state debt to invest in environmental programs.Thus, both Yerevan and Tokyo fulfill their international obligations, "Artsvik Minasyan said.
According to the minister, it is expected that by mid-February a full-fledged, realistic program of activities in this direction. One of the most important items of the future program will be the expansion of the forest area, noted Artsvik Minasyan.
