Vasken Brudian

Yesterday, on my second day of arrival to Armenia, I was fortunate to have the experience of visiting the pristine, untouched, unharmed section of Teghut Forest.

As environmental activists, we often focus on the destruction, annihilation, the looting and the plunder of this magnificent landscape; and rightfully so. We often speak of the embezzlement, deception, health desecration and the misuse of the land for short-term gain in our discussions. Yet, we often fail to remember to look or present the forest in its unscathed, unharmed state and what we are in the process of destroying.

Although we drove through the mine and we witnessed the devastation, the destruction, and the activity related to excavating molybdenum, I would like to present to you the forest in its inherent state, in its utmost serenity and splendor. 

Thank you to the villagers of Shenogh for taking us to this, almost hidden, "yet" unaffected section of Teghut Forest. It would have remained undiscovered for us for not to their hospitality.