In October 2025, a regional consultation was held in Meghri, Syunik region, to assess community needs for implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. The consultation brought together MPs, representatives of Meghri’s local self-government, the UN Development Programme, the Ministry of Environment, civil society organizations, experts, and youth.
The aim of the consultation was to raise awareness about Armenia’s national climate commitments—particularly the implementation of the 2021–2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—as well as to gather information from local authorities, civil society, and youth regarding climate challenges, needs, and opportunities, and to facilitate dialogue with Members of Parliament.
The consultation was held within the framework of UNDP’s “Enhancing the Responsiveness, Efficiency, Transparency and Inclusiveness of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia” (FORSETI) project. The project is implemented with financial support from the governments of Sweden and Canada, in cooperation with the National Assembly of Armenia.
Agarak town is located on the left bank of the Araks River and serves as Armenia’s only border crossing point with Iran. The town was founded in 1949 for the operation of Agarak copper-molybdenum mine. Today, “Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine” CJSC operates there, employing the majority of the local population.
In Agarak, a rise in air temperature and a decrease in precipitation have been observed over recent decades. This has led to shortages of drinking and irrigation water, negatively affecting household needs and agricultural irrigation.
“Drought days hinder agricultural production, reduce yields, and contribute to soil degradation. Extreme heat creates serious problems for people with chronic illnesses, children, and the elderly. Strong winds and hailstorms cause significant damage both to orchards and to buildings,” David Ohanyan, Head of Agarak administrative district, noted.
He outlined Agarak’s priority needs and proposed solutions:
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Strengthening environmental oversight in the mining sector and implementing soil protection measures
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Introducing agricultural insurance and modern early warning systems for natural hazards
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Constructing a reservoir and modernizing drinking and irrigation water pipelines with water-saving technologies
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Expanding green areas
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Installing autonomous solar systems on the roofs of community buildings
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Purchasing new garbage trucks, conserving the existing dumpsite, and constructing a new sanitary landfill
Next to Agarak is Karchavan village, home to just 77 households. Residents work at Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine and are also engaged in horticulture and beekeeping.
Climate change has created serious challenges for horticulture. In summer, temperatures reach up to 40°C in the shade, and due to declining precipitation, irrigation water shortages have become acute, leaving many plots uncultivated. The scarcity of water forces residents to use drinking water for irrigation—an expensive practice that not everyone can afford.
“There are many climate-related problems, and we need systemic solutions to protect nature and reduce the risks threatening people’s health,” Garik Janyan, Head of Karchavan administrative district, noted.
November 26, 2025 at 14:36