Environmental and Security Concerns in Azerbaijan-Armenia Relations
The global shift towards environmentally friendly practices and renewable energy sources is reshaping industrial landscapes worldwide. Azerbaijan has emerged as a proactive participant in this transition, focusing on sustainable development and environmental protection. However, the ongoing environmental issues stemming from Armenia’s activities pose significant challenges to the region, affecting biodiversity, water resources, and potentially threatening the entire South Caucasus.
One of the major concerns highlighted in my analysis is the pollution of rivers near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, particularly by Armenian companies. The Amuldag gold mine project is cited as a source of environmental degradation, with more than 100 NGOs and environmental activists from both countries expressing alarm over its impact on biodiversity and water resources. The lack of consideration for the results of environmental impact assessments by the Armenian government and Lydian Armenia exacerbates the environmental threat.
The discharge of mining wastes, containing heavy metals from the Amuldag gold mine, into the Bargushad River raises not only environmental concerns but also poses a risk to the Araz River and the surrounding region. The exploitation of the mine is portrayed as a serious threat to the population and the entire region surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains.
Another alarming issue is the Armenian cooperation with the United States in establishing biolaboratories for military purposes. The locations of these laboratories, particularly the one near the Russian military base in Gyumri, raise concerns about the potential dual-purpose nature of these facilities. The secrecy surrounding their activities, coupled with the fear of creating, modifying, and spreading various pathogens, adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical and security dynamics in the region.
So the Armenia’s political dependence and its role as a business object for various Western organizations, suggesting that the country’s future is uncertain. The Metsamor nuclear power plant, identified as a source of serious danger since the Soviet era, is highlighted as a lingering threat to regional security, impacting not only Azerbaijan but also neighboring states and the broader Caucasus region.
My analysis paints a complex picture of environmental and security challenges in the Azerbaijan-Armenia relationship. The issues raised, ranging from environmental degradation due to mining activities to concerns about biolaboratories and nuclear threats, underscore the need for regional cooperation, transparent environmental policies, and diplomatic efforts to address shared concerns and ensure a sustainable and secure future for the South Caucasus.
