"Ecolur" Informational NGO sent "Implementation of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Policy at the Local Level" draft guidelines developed by them to specialists from relevant ministries and independent experts to collect observations and suggestions for improving the document. Consultations were also held with local self-government bodies and civil society representatives from Lori, Tavush, Armavir, and Vayots Dzor Regions to improve the draft guidelines.
The draft guidelines were developed with the support of UNDP-funded "Climate Perspectives in Armenia: From Promise to Results" project. This article presents the suggestions made regarding the draft guidelines and the observations identified as a result of the analysis of consultations.
Lara Sargsyan, Chief Specialist of Atmospheric Policy Department of RA Ministry of Environment, suggested including practical recommendations in the guidelines that would describe the sub-objective, motivation, and phases of actions for each measure. "The document should be simple, accessible, and directive so that communities have a clear understanding of what actions to take," she said.
Marine Saribekyan, Chief Specialist of Climate Policy Department of RA Ministry of Environment, suggested using existing data for the development of programs planned for 2025. According to her, several communities can use the same data base to develop action plans. "At the same time, I suggest including the issue of women's involvement in community programs and decision-making processes in the guidelines, taking into account women's greater vulnerability to the negative effects of climate change," she noted.
Ashot Giloyan, Head of Local Self-Government Policy Department of RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, mentioned that risk assessments have been carried out for about 400 settlements with UNICEF support. He expressed willingness to provide the developed document, which will help communities understand how to collect data, implement monitoring, and allocate budget for addressing climate issues.
Sona Hayrapetyan, Head of Solid Household Waste Management Division of Territorial (Capital) Programs Support and Solid Waste Management Department of RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, drew attention to the importance of soil quality before implementing irrigation programs. She noted that soil suitability for crop cultivation should be studied. She also emphasized the need to conserve water resources, suggesting that communities think about alternative methods of use. "I really want our communities to be able to understand with their capabilities that we no longer have enough water to bring to the soil. Communities need to develop in such a way that they understand that water resources are limited and should be used wisely," she said, calling for attention not only to water-demanding crops but also to more efficient and water-saving alternatives.
Sona Hayrapetyan also addressed the issues of assessing greenhouse gas emissions from household waste.
Yeghiazar Davtyan, Chief Specialist of Community Information Flow Management Division of Local Self-Government Policy Department ofRA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, suggested for the improvement of the guidelines to take into account the "Methodological Guidelines for Developing Climate Change Adaptation Programs for Settlements" provided to the Armenian communities to avoid duplication, which is available on RA MTAI website, and to study the community climate risk assessment reports conducted by ARNAP Foundation for some Armenian communities (https://www.arnap.am/?page_id=4203).
Heghine Gevorgyan, Chief Specialist of Agricultural Strategic Processes Coordination Division of Agricultural Programs Design Department of RA Ministry of Economy, suggested clearly indicating what positive impact each objective defined in the Guidelines and the steps to achieve it could have on the community, environment, community residents, and economy.
Naire Yeritsyan, Coordinator of "Armenian Living Landscapes for Market Development" project at WWF-Armenia, suggested adding two new components to the financial designation section of the community annual budget: Establishment of Pasture Infrastructure and Pasture Improvement Works. She suggested including the issue of manure management, possibilities for obtaining biohumus or biogas.
The observations identified as a result of consultations with local self-government bodies and civil society representatives are:
- Awareness of climate change activities in communities is insufficient. Although awareness-raising activities have been carried out in some communities, the general picture is that the level of knowledge at the local level is low, and community representatives often find it difficult to understand the objectives and implementation mechanisms of NAP 3.0.
- Communities are willing to support greenhouse gas reduction measures, but there are significant obstacles. Many have mentioned that their capabilities do not meet the required standards. Scarcity of financial resources and lack of professional staff hinder the implementation of effective programs at the local level. Despite these difficulties, some communities proposed concrete steps, such as the introduction of energy-saving technologies, implementation of tree-planting programs, and improvement of waste management mechanisms. The issue of not having a landfill and the need to separate and recycle waste was raised. They noted that there are serious financial and personnel limitations for implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation programs in communities. Due to budget constraints, available financial resources are directed to infrastructure development and implementation of social programs. Communities do not have energy sector specialists, which hinders the development and implementation of sectoral programs. It was suggested to provide additional funding and to mandate the inclusion of an energy specialist position in the staffing lists of community administrations, as well as to provide financial resources from the state budget to communities for implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation programs. Respondents also raised the need to participate in relevant courses to acquire the necessary knowledge for implementing measures in the field of climate change and recording certain results.
Most respondents are not aware of climate guidelines. They mentioned that there is a need for such guidelines.
February 25, 2025 at 16:38