Eco-patrols to step up  biodiversity monitoring

ArmInfo.Eco-patrol service officers will also be responsible for monitoring biodiversity  during the management of state forests, forest lands, and specially protected areas. At its February 25 meeting, the RA National Assembly Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture, and Environmental Protection approved the amendments to the law "On Eco-Patrol Service" submitted by the RA government.

According to Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environmental  Protection, the current law was adopted on November 22, 2023, and  entered into force on January 1, 2024. To address the monitoring  task, environmental service staff will be authorized to organize and  conduct collaboration with local authorities.  The need for  monitoring stems from the requirement to assess the state of  biodiversity. Eco-patrols are most familiar with the local situation,  and for this reason, they are authorized to conduct biodiversity  monitoring. Eco-patrols will actively collaborate with local  governments. To ensure the success of the planned activities,  eco-patrols must possess the relevant experience and qualifications.  Experts from the National Academy of Sciences will provide guidance  and oversight.