Biodiversity offsetting and other problems of the ESIA of Amulsar gold project in Armenia

Study    |    8 January 2019

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This report is a critical analysis, with regard to the impacts on biodiversity, of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Amulsar Gold Project. Special attention has been paid to the biodiversity offsetting proposal for creation of “Jermuk” National Park. The Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) of EBRD has been carefully studied in order to assess the compliance of the project with its requirements, as well as to evaluate the need of its change to ensure safeguarding of biodiversity in projects financed by the bank. As ESP requires every project to comply with national legislation, international conventions and EU environmental standards, this report gives details about possible infringements by the Amulsar Gold Project of Armenian Law, the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive.