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.
Suren Vardumyan noted that Vahagni has 1,081 residents, most of whom are engaged in agriculture - crop farming, animal husbandry, and beekeeping. However, he also reported a significant decline in crop and livestock production in recent years.
Last year we had 73 hectares of autumn crops; this year - only 10 hectares. Last year we cultivated 130 hectares with various crops; this year - just 30 hectares,” said Suren Vardumyan, adding: “Temperatures have risen, precipitation has decreased, and snowfall is scarce. The community’s cultivated lands suffer from hail, mudflows, or drought. Livestock numbers have also declined.
The main obstacle to the development of farming under climate change conditions is the absence of an irrigation network, even though we have sufficient water resources - we just don’t use them effectively.”
A design and cost estimate has been developed for the construction of a geomembrane water reservoir to improve access to water resources.
It was also noted that the lack of qualified specialists prevents residents from fully utilizing their resources and marketing their agricultural products. For instance, the community has no veterinarian or agricultural specialist to guide locals on how to cultivate land properly and use existing resources rationally.
July 31, 2025 at 13:26