Robert Kalantari
Reliable energy generation is vital for a) Armenia’s national security; b) the country’s economic growth; c) basic needs of everyday life. This presentation will discuss Armenia’s energy needs and the current generation capacity it has from various sources. The discussion focuses on the role that Medzamor, Armenia’s nuclear power plant, plays in providing for Armenia’s current needs. The presentation will also discuss the energy challenges Armenia faces now and will face in the near future. Armenia will face a dangerous situation if it does not replace its generation capacity now. We will discuss the options for building new power plants, the merits of alternative energy sources, and the environmental impact and political challenges/concerns of each type.

Ursula Kazarian: Activism in the Caucasus and in the Armenian Diaspora: Reality and Opportunities
The author will present her experience working in Georgia's and Armenia's environmental circles. She will compare the approaches in organizational network cohesion between the two countries and consider the potential growth for Armenia's progressive movement already in place. Finally, she will present opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience to become involved and make a difference in Armenia's future.

Anne Shirinian-Orlando: Hazards of Uranium Mining and Milling
In recent years, there has been an interest in Armenia’s uranium deposits, as displayed by outside entities, such as the government of Russia. Such interest must be weighed carefully, as the prospect of uranium mining poses serious ecological and health-related threats. Armenia already possesses a nuclear reactor that poses health and safety hazards, and uranium mining would only add to the country’s nuclear radiation contamination. This paper summarizes, briefly, the particular forms and hazards of radiation involved with uranium mining and milling.

Jeffrey Tufenkian: Deserting Armenia
Armenia’s forests are being rapidly destroyed, and with them streams, rivers and springs are disappearing, desertification is advancing, and precious fauna and flora are being lost. The root cause of the problem has shifted from need of the many to the greed of a few. Officials would have people believe that deforestation is due to poor villagers cutting forests to keep from freezing, but current deforestation is mainly due to illegal businesses of oligarchs and other powerful people taking advantage of the lack of rule of law to steal these precious resources from current and future generations. What are the factors involved in deforestation? What is the extent of civic participation in Armenia’s forest protection and other environmental issues? What are the challenges and opportunities for Armenia’s environment?

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