In October 2025, a regional consultation was held in Meghri Town, Syunik Region, to assess community needs related to the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. The consultation was attended by MPs, representatives of the Meghri local self-governing body, 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 collect information from local authorities, civil society, and youth about climate challenges, needs, and opportunities, and to foster dialogue with Members of Parliament.
The consultation was held within the framework of the UNDP “Strengthening the Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia” (FORSETI) project, implemented with financial support from the Governments of Sweden and Canada in cooperation with the National Assembly.
Nrnadzor village is located on mountain slopes, about 2 km from the Araks River. It borders “Arevik” National Park and “Shikahogh” State Reserve.
The village has 135 residents, who mainly engage in horticulture and livestock breeding. Nrnadzor is particularly known for its pomegranate orchards. The village faces the same water scarcity issues as the rest of Meghri.
“There are two main drinking-water sources in the village. Meghri’s gravity flow system only works until June, after which we rely on a pumping station, and even that water source is cut off starting from September. After that, we face serious problems and water has to be brought in by trucks,” Nrnadzor administrative head Ara Azizyan noted.
The community sees a solution in drawing water from a deep well. For irrigation water, they propose the construction of the Meghri reservoir.
In 2022, a community cooperative was established in Nrnadzor, with support from the regional administration and international partners. A dedicated substation was built, a 4,000 m³ membrane-lined reservoir was constructed, and with support from the UN Development Agency a 40 kW solar power system and drip irrigation system were installed. A gravity-fed water supply system was introduced, and new orchards were planted. The village has the potential to establish new orchards on an additional 150 hectares.
According to Ara Azizyan, the cooperative faces financial challenges, especially in obtaining bank loans. “We have applied to nearly all banks operating in our region, but none have provided a loan to the cooperative—not even with interest,” he said.
Another issue concerns land lease terms. “The government has granted the cooperative only a 10-year lease. During discussions with financial institutions, they raised the concern that once the trees become productive after ten years, the land may no longer belong to the cooperative,” residents noted.
MP Rustam Bakoyan pledged to formulate the issue clearly and raise it during the next government Q&A session in parliament.
Residents also expressed hopes for state support to replace existing crop varieties with seedlings compatible with drip irrigation systems.
Another challenge is interaction with protected areas and the ongoing human–wildlife conflict. Residents were advised to use electric fencing (“electric shepherds”). MPs suggested discussing the issue with the Ministry of Environment and the Syunik Governor’s Office to develop joint solutions.
Residents additionally highlighted the need to establish a dedicated agricultural specialist position within the community administration. “There is a need for an agronomist… With the decision of the community head and the council, it is possible to create an agriculture department and hire a specialist,” participants noted.
November 27, 2025 at 11:09