On June 27, 2025, a regional consultation was held at the COAF SMART Center in Debet, Lori Region, to assess community needs in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. The event brought together members of the National Assembly, local officials from Pambak, representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NGOs, experts, and youth leaders.
The consultation was part of the UNDP project “Fostering Responsive, Effective, Transparent, and Inclusive National Assembly of Armenia” (FORSETI), funded by the Governments of Sweden and Canada in cooperation with the Armenian Parliament.
Climate Change Impacts in Pambak
Pambak community encompasses 15 settlements: Aznvadzor, Antaramut, Arjut, Bazum, Debet, Yeghgnut, Lernapat, Lernajur, Dzoraget, Dzoragyugh, Margahovit,Vahagndzor, Vahagni, Pambak, and Kharaberd, with a total population of 13,710. The dominant economic activity is agriculture, with 33,083.96 hectares of land designated for agricultural use.
However, much of this land remains uncultivated. A decline in agricultural productivity is observed due to soil degradation, lack of irrigation systems and hail protection infrastructure, insufficient access to agricultural machinery, and limited investment opportunities for residents. Livestock farming is also in decline. The community currently has 6,406 head of large livestock and 2,738 small ruminants, a significant decrease from earlier numbers. The absence of watering points in remote pastures negatively affects milk production.
Hasmik Matsakyan, head of development programs at Pambak municipality, presented the community’s climate challenges and proposed measures to address them. She noted a shift in seasonal weather patterns and the overall climate profile.
Over the past decade, Pambak has experienced rising temperatures, more frequent storms, hail events, droughts, and flooding.
These extreme hydrometeorological events have caused serious damage to the community’s infrastructure and economy.
Disasters in 2024
On May 25–26, 2024, heavy rainfall caused flooding of the Debet River, resulting in an emergency situation. The villages of Dzoraget and Vahagndzor were declared disaster zones.
On June 20, 2024, hailstorms, heavy rains, and strong winds caused extensive damage to both residents’ and community property in Debet, Yeghgnut, Antaramut, and Vahagni.
Heavy rainfall and flooding also damaged the sidewalks along the Yeghgnut-Debet regional road, caused landslides, and affected drainage systems.
Pambak’s Needs and Recommendations
Hasmik Matsakyan emphasized the need for trained specialists to ensure the smooth operation of solar photovoltaic plants in the community.
Agricultural insurance is still underutilized in the region. It is important that insurance mechanisms include local crop varieties and be made accessible to all social groups.
Proposed Actions:
- Create the position of an energy manager within the community.
Make agricultural insurance available to all income groups, taking into account local livelihoods and affordability. - Facilitate the transition to green energy, and promote electric transportation and charging stations.
- Encourage women’s participation in leadership roles.
Develop the community’s infrastructure and skills for both domestic and international touris
July 18, 2025 at 14:52