Dear citizens, as it is widely known, Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and it is our duty to show that we as a civil society, care about our nature and biodiversity. 
The Ministry of Environment has received reports that, during various tourist activities, aquatic ecosystems are being disturbed and water lilies listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia are being harmed. We urge all visitors and citizens to act responsibly and help safeguard our unique natural heritage.
Pictures surfacing on the internet reveal how the careless actions of hikers and tourists are causing damage to these rare and fragile plants. The water lily, one of the most beautiful species of the Armenian Highlands, is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia and is protected under national law.
The Ministry of Environment of the RA urges all citizens and visitors to:
Do not damage or collect water lilies;
Respect and preserve the integrity of nature during tours;
Keep in mind that every careless step can cause irreparable harm to our ecosystems.
REMINDER

• Article 93 of the Republic of Armenia Code of Administrative Offenses stipulates that the unauthorized collection of plants or their parts registered in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia is subject to penalties as follows:
• A fine of AMD 80,000 for citizens;
• A fine of AMD 150,000 for officials.

The picture features one of the natural treasures of Armenia — Lake Urasar (Water Lily Lake).