YEREVAN (Armenpress)--A prominent Armenian seismologist, professor Sergey Balasanian was awarded a UN prize for his extensive contribution to formulating policy on reducing dangerous effects of natural disasters, and related scientific, technological and practical applications.

The prize was awarded in Geneva October 9 at the UN Congress Hall. Professor Balasanian is chairman of the Armenian Association of Earth Physics.

Speaking to reporters today, professor Balasanian said that his speech in Geneva was dedicated to strategy aimed at reducing the danger of calamities in the 21st century.

He said his candidacy was picked up by an independent jury of 19 experts, chaired by the UN Secretary General Assistant on Humanitarian Issues.

Balasanian said that Armenia was the only country in which a government-affiliated seismic protection service was founded (in 1991), and the only country to adopt specific legislation on seismic protection.