Baku:Amin Mammadov, Chairman of the 'Water Use Specialists' Public Union, highlighted the growing risk of Lake Goycha drying up. This concern was raised during a briefing of the Environmental Protection First NGO Coalition, focusing on the environmental impact of mining activities in Armenia.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mammadov cited a World Bank report indicating that Armenia is facing water scarcity. He pointed out that groundwater extraction for commercial fishing and irrigation in the Ararat Valley is outpacing the natural replenishment rates. Additionally, the amount of water being released from Lake Goycha to fulfill irrigation needs far exceeds historical natural flow levels, exacerbating the risk of the lake drying up and adversely affecting the local fauna.

He emphasized that as Azerbaijan is downstream within the Caucasus region, it bears the brunt of pollution from Armenia's transboundary rivers. Mammadov stated that under the Espoo Convention, the Armenian government is required to submit a report addressing these environmental concerns.