Azerbaijan Suing Armenia Over Alleged Environmental Damage

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 13, 2025 – Azerbaijan has taken legal action against Armenia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, claiming significant environmental destruction in regions previously under Armenian control. The lawsuit, submitted on February 12, accuses Armenia of extensive deforestation, unsustainable logging, mining, and the construction of hydropower facilities, impacting areas Baku reclaimed during recent hostilities.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry released a statement detailing its allegations, particularly highlighting damage within the Basut-Chay State Reserve, a protected ecological zone near Azerbaijan’s southern frontier, noted for its rare Oriental plane trees. The ministry asserted, “Armenia’s actions and negligence have caused severe and irreversible damage to the region’s habitats and species.”

Azerbaijan’s suit cites violations of the 1979 Berne Convention, an international agreement aimed at preserving natural areas across Europe and parts of Africa. Azerbaijan ratified this treaty in 2000, while Armenia followed suit in 2008.

The ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia have deep roots, stemming from conflicts over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a significant ethnic Armenian population that sought independence for about three decades. In September 2023, Azerbaijan conducted a rapid military operation to retake control of the region, leading to the exodus of most ethnic Armenians.

Despite previous hostilities, both nations have expressed interest in pursuing a peace treaty; however, diplomatic ties remain nonexistent, with a heavily militarized 1,000 kilometer (620-mile) border separating them. Progress on peace negotiations has been reported as slow and complicated.

Meanwhile, the environmental implications of the situation have drawn international attention. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) noted the destruction of thousands of hectares of protected forests in Azerbaijan, including ancient trees revered for their ecological importance. Reports of pollution in the Okhchuchay River have also surfaced, suggesting severe contamination linked to mining operations in the formerly occupied territories.

Azerbaijan is seeking full compensation for the alleged environmental harm, pointing to violations that negatively affected hundreds of species and their habitats. The ministry emphasized the need to hold Armenia accountable for what it characterizes as misconduct during the period of occupation.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not responded publicly to the lawsuit as of late. However, officials have previously indicated their intention to defend against the claims, suggesting that Azerbaijan’s allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.

Legal experts noted that this lawsuit is the first known interstate arbitration case based on the Berne Convention. Armenian representatives argue that Azerbaijan’s legal positions may not align with the objectives of the convention, which is meant to facilitate cooperation among nations in preserving wildlife and habitats.

Amid these claims, both nations continue to navigate their complex relations and the consequential environmental issues arising from the prolonged conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.