Arpi Davoyan Publishes Photo of a Flower Listed in the Red Book on Facebook; Ministry of Environment Clarifies

Member of the National Assembly from the "My Step" faction, Arpi Davoyan, posted a photo of a "yellow snowdrop" on her Facebook story. This flower is known as Sternbergia fischeriana and is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia. Davoyan, however, did not specify whether she purchased it herself or received it as a gift. It is not mentioned that she personally collected it. This has been reported by the Armenian media.

According to Armenian law, there are fines for the destruction or collection of plants listed in the Red Book. Specifically, the fine for each instance of collecting the nearly extinct Sternbergia fischeriana plant amounts to 25,000 AMD, and if the total exceeds 200,000 AMD, criminal liability may be imposed.

The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia responded to the news. Spokesperson Ani Hakobyan stated on Facebook:

“Dear colleagues, a photo is circulating in the media where MP Ms. Davoyan has shared an image of the 'yellow snowdrop' from the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia: the flower known as Sternbergia fischeriana. I would like to remind you that the Ministry of Environment does not have supervisory functions; these are reserved for the Inspectorate for Nature Protection and Subsoil Management. Ms. Davoyan is already aware of the issue and is willing to personally ensure the inspectorate's work moving forward. This issue is under the attention of the Ministry of Environment. I would also like to point out that during inspections carried out by the inspectorate, it often turns out that the flowers sold on the streets are not collected from nature, but rather grown in greenhouses.”