Forest Protection

The prevention and mitigation of damages done to the environment, especially forests, is at the core of our successful operations. For this reason we at Vallex do not limit our actions only by legal requirements. In line with our corporate social responsibility principles of "Teghout" CJSC and together with RA Ministry of Nature Protection we have developed a reforestation program. The program envisages the reforestation of 714 hectares of land – twice the surface that had to be cleared for our operations.

Furthermore, we are undertaking not only the forest planting, but also the subsequent care of the newly established ecosystem until it reaches stable and self-sustainable level.

As of 31.12.2015 about 197.1 hectares of forests were lumbered. In parallel, tree planting and ongoing forest care activities were carried out within the administrative borders of Teghout, Shnogh, Lernahovit, Odzun and Arjut communities of Lori Region, in Gugarq and Lalvar forestries of "Hayantar" SNCO (464.9 hectares in total).

Upon the request of the stakeholders groups’ representitives regularly taking part in SEP meetings, below is the annual payments to the reforestation organizations per years:

We continue to hold regular tree planting and environmental awareness events with the participation of students from leading Armenian universities and youth of Lori region in Teghout community. A number of prominent cultural figures also participated in tree planting. These activities are financed completely by the Company.

Within the frameworks of stakeholder meetings, the representatives of the affected communities suggested that some portion of 714 hectares close to Teghout and Shnogh communities and subject to reforestation be used for agricultural purposes - establishing fruit orchards. The Company has assured its readiness to accept the offer in case appropriate legal prerequisites are provided.

Based on the joint orders of Minister of Agriculture of RA (order N182-A of August 4, 2015) and Minister of Nature Protection (order N228-A of August 7, 2015) amendments were made to the reforestation program, providing that 180 hectares of land from overall 714 hectare area can be used with the purpose of planting fruit orchards within the territory of Teghout and Shnogh communities of Lori region. Prior to this Teghout and Shnogh communities heads had applied to the mentioned ministries, asking to make those changes in the reforestation program.