On September 13th, Azerbaijan launched a wide-scale attack against Armenia targeting military bases and residential areas and infrastructure all along the eastern part of Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan, including Vardenis, Sotk, Artanish, Jermօօk, Goris, and Kapan cities and towns.
Azerbaijan violated the sovereignty and integrity of Armenia – a UN recognized country – shelling civilians, and breaching the Geneva Convention.
The scale of military influence is extensive, covering the Gegharkunik, Vayots dzor, and Syunik regions of Armenia. The nature and intensity of the war are characterized by high aggression and destruction of the environment.
Armenia is part of the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot: over 500 species of fauna (about 3% of the fauna) and 144 species of flora (3.8% of total flora) are considered endemics. Armenia is internationally important for its rich biodiversity: 377 bird species, 14 globally threatened birds, 18 Important Bird Areas, 9 Emerald Sites, 12 Prime Butterfly Areas, and 32 Important Plant Areas covering around 15% of Armenia. The military aggression of Azerbaijan directly affects and is a potential hazard to Lake Sevan, Jermook, Noravank, Gorayk, Meghri and Zangezoor IBAs. Lake Sevan IBA hosts the second largest breeding colony of Armenian Gull (Armenia hosts around 40% of European breeding population of Armenian gull).
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The heavy artillery use from the Azerbaijani side caused massive forest fires in the open juniper forest of Jermook. The massive escalation along the east-southern borderline of Armenia threatens globally and nationally red-listed species such as Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Armenian Mouflon (Ovis gmelini gmelini), Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos syriacus), Caucasian Lynx (Lynx lynx dinniki), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).
FPWC stands for peace and calls all our friends and partners of the global conservation community to speak up and condemn Azerbaijani aggression on the Armenian land.
The right to life should be recognized and respected at a global level for all living beings in the world!
