Environmental Violations Alleged at Yerevan COP17 Venue

Armenia's Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has launched administrative proceedings following reports of improper waste disposal at the COP17 conference venue in Yerevan. According to investigative outlet Hetq, construction waste from the Meridian Expo Center—which hosted the climate conference—was being dumped into the Hrazdan Gorge. The allegations prompted the government agency to take action and open an investigation into the matter. The case highlights concerns about environmental oversight during major infrastructure projects in Armenia's capital.