The theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’.
Water can create peace or spark conflict.
When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries.
More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water.
As climate change impacts increase, and populations grow, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource.
Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.
Armenia is also facing the problems of scarcity and pollution of water resources and the challenges of climate change. It should be noted that according to the 4th National Climate Change Communication, the river flow into Lake Sevan is projected to decrease by about 30-35% in 2100, which will have a negative impact on the vital resources in the lake.
In the worst-case scenario, the river flow is predicted to decrease by up to 39% by 2100.
The negative impact of the climate was discussed during the event organized by RA Environment Ministry dedicated to the World Water Day.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Ian Pleschinger emphasized the importance of reducing the impact of climate change and developing the green economy.
According to Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan, "We are discussing the strategy of the water sector, steps are being taken in the direction of reservoir construction, we have criminalized the illegal use of groundwater," Hakob Simidyan noted.
Deputy Environment Minister Tigran Gabrielyan said that a list of communities in Ararat valley will be laid down, where water will be provided only for irrigation purposes.
Nona Budoyan, Head of Climate Policy Department of Environment Ministry, presented. The average temperature in Armenia increased by 1.6 degrees. It is predicted that the temperature will rise by 3.3 degrees by 2070 and by 4.7 degrees by 2100.
It is necessary to implement 26 priority measures for climate change adaptation in the field of water resources in Armenia, as laid down in "Water Sector Adaptation Plan and its Program of Measures for 2022-2026" approved by the Armenian government.
March 22, 2024 at 17:06
