During the discussion held on March 12 at EcoLur Press Club, "EcoLur" Informational NGO presented to the state bodies the results of the studies carried out in 4 consolidated communities in Armenia, which are related to climate and energy problems and opportunities.
Studies were conducted in Talin of Aragatsotn Region, Dilijan in Tavush Region, Yeghegis in Vayots Dzor Region and Pambak in Lori Region. On the basis of the studies, the project report entitled "Localization analysis of climate and energy policies at the community level" was drafted, where the community climate and energy problems are highlighted, and legislative recommendations are presented.
"We have selected four communities that stand out from the climate point of view. Dilijan with its forest and biodiversity. Solar energy is developing in Talin and the largest solar plant, "Aig 1" is being built. Pambak is a community near the forest. Yeghegis community is affected by HPPs with 17 HPPs on the Yeghegis River, the load of which is more than 40 percent with pipes. We visited communities, organized round tables with administrative staff and residents to identify their needs and offer solutions," Inga Zarafyan outlined.
"Armenia has obligations under climate change, particularly under the Paris Agreement. There is an article in which it is very important that the obligations of the country can be fulfilled necessarily together with communities and local governments. We work with the communities and we can see that the communities are not able to properly protect their interests and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the donor community. Here it is very important that the projects that are implemented as components of the climate policy can fully protect the interests, rights and ensure involvement of the communities. It is very important that the knowledge that is spread through this program in four communities should be continuous," Diana Harutyunyan noted.
The participants of the discussion presented their opinions and suggestions regarding the document. Inga Zarafyan mentioned that the document will be elaborated, presented in the target communities and ultimately presented to the Armenian government.
It should be noted that the document was also discussed with independent experts.
Draft report "Localization analysis of climate and energy policies at the community level" and the recommendations for legislative amendments were developed within the framework of "“Impacted communities and civil society organizations as participants in the introduction of socio-ecological culture in the energy and climate change policies of Armenia” project implemented with the support of the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Program and "EU4Climate" regional project.
March 18, 2024 at 15:52