Yes, the air quality is not good now; Tigran Avinyan
Against the background of active discussions on social networks regarding the high level of air pollution in Yerevan, and particularly the mention of “tree felling” as the main reason, Mayor Tigran Avinyan expressed his position on his Facebook page.
According to the mayor, linking the deterioration of the city’s air to “tree felling” does not correspond to reality. In his statement, he presented the volume of landscaping carried out over the past three years, emphasizing their historical significance.
According to the mayor, almost 60 hectares of new green areas have been added in Yerevan over the past three years, including about 25,000 valuable trees.
“The increase in green areas in the last three years exceeds not only the work of the previous three years but also the 22 years preceding them. From 2000–2022, green areas in Yerevan city increased by only 44 hectares,” the post states.
According to him, as a result of these works, the minimum amount of green space per capita defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) increased from about 8 sq m in 2022 to 8.5 sq m. The mayor stated that there is a goal to overcome the minimum 9 sq m standard recommended by the WHO in the near future.
Referring to the tree felling that became the target of criticism, the mayor emphasized that during this period, it was merely the replacement of 4300 trees, mostly dry, damaged, or at risk of falling.
“I emphasize, we replaced them, not just cut them down. That is, it is not about reducing trees, but about ensuring safety and a healthy environment,” he added.
Regarding the general deterioration of air quality, the mayor attributed it to regional factors: the basin-like location of cities, winter inversion, and seasonal climatic processes. According to the statement, these are regional physical phenomena, independent of any actions.
Concluding his post, the mayor promised to soon present detailed steps that will be taken jointly with government partners to improve air quality.