In January 2026, the regular meeting of Working Group 3 of the Armenia National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) was held at “Ecolur” Press Club.
During the meeting, participants discussed the activity report for 2024–2025, the action plan for 2026, the steps envisaged within the framework of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), scheduled to take place in Yerevan in October, and the environmental transformation program of “Nairit” plant. The former Coordinator of Working Group 3, Mari Chakryan, presented the activities implemented in 2024–2025. Referring to the main directions of the group’s work over the past two years, Mari Chakryan highlighted climate change and biodiversity issues, particularly in the context of the COP processes.
Inga Zarafyan, President of “Ecolur” Informational NGO, positively assessed Mari Chakryan’s work and expressed gratitude for coordinating the group’s activities over the past two years. The issue of nominating candidates and organizing elections for the new Coordinator of the group was discussed. Subsequently, the members outlined the priority directions for 2026. Aram Gabrielyan, representative of “Khazer” Ecological and Cultural NGO, stated: “In my opinion, the urgent issues for 2026 are threefold: how we will work in preparation for COP17, the issue of ‘Nairit,’ and our position in the run-up to the parliamentary elections with regard to candidates seeking to become Members of Parliament.”
COP17 and the Actions of Working Group 3
One of the key discussion topics was the formation of synergy among the COP processes of the three UN conventions — the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) — and the opportunities for cooperation. Inga Zarafyan proposed organizing a series of events in the run-up to COP17 at both international and local levels, including engagement with communities.
Issue of “Nairit” Plant
The Armenian Government has announced the environmental transformation program of “Nairit” plant, which includes the intention to dismantle the plant and remediate the site, making it environmentally safe and suitable for further development.
In the implementation process, the Government is supported by the World Bank. Through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), operating within the World Bank Group structure, Armenia has been provided with a USD 1.5 million grant. This amount is intended for design and assessment activities to be carried out at the preliminary stage.
As for the core program, according to the World Bank’s estimates, its total cost may amount to approximately USD 60 million.
Regarding this issue, Inga Zarafyan noted that, by decision of the Armenian Government, research activities are planned on an area of approximately 100 hectares for the purpose of assessing the condition of the site and developing restoration proposals. She also referred to the USD 60 million program, noting that a comprehensive assessment of the plant’s entire territory has not yet been conducted, raising questions as to how the amount was determined.
Aram Gabrielyan addressed the environmental risks: “There are approximately 1,200 tons of laketinol present at the plant site, and options for its neutralization are being discussed. The incineration of 1,200 tons of laketinol could generate approximately 4,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.”
According to Aram Gabrielyan, it is planned to clean the area and transfer it to the municipality, whereas it is industrial-designated land and should retain that status. He proposed considering the establishment of a technopark as a basis for industrial revitalization.
March 06, 2026 at 10:41