Armenian Law on Tariffs and Fines
This law establishes the financial liability for environmental offenses, effectively converting ecological damage into a specific monetary debt owed to the state. Unlike the Administrative Code, which levies a punitive fine, this law is designed to reimburse the public for the lost value of the natural asset. It provides a detailed tariff system for calculating these damages based on the species and the extent of the destruction, ensuring that the cost of restoring the ecosystem is borne by the violator.
For urban forestry in Yerevan, this document is a powerful but often unused tool. Article 4 specifically addresses the "illegal felling or partial damage of trees and shrubs," explicitly including those located in "common use areas of settlements." This definition is critical for combating "sanitary pruning" malpractice; by classifying severe topping as "partial damage" or "growth cessation," activists can use this law to demand compensation amounts that often far exceed standard administrative penalties, making tree destruction financially unviable for developers.