Presentation of the Long-term National Vision of Lake Sevan
Yerevan, 6 April 2023 – Today, at the UN House in Armenia, the new long-term national vision of Lake Sevan developed within the framework of the “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project UNDP component was presented, and the process of developing the strategy to achieve the long-term national vision of Lake Sevan was launched.
In his opening remarks, RA Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan thanked the partners, highlighted the importance of the project results, and referred to the existing challenges. “We have sufficient will and desire to face these obstacles and we must do as much as possible to restore the bioresources and the ecosystem of the Lake Sevan,”- he said.
Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, welcomed the participants and stated: “The EU-Armenia joint efforts are a success factor of the EU4Sevan project activities as no actor or organization can solve Lake Sevan issues alone. A systemic approach is required to address Lake Sevan ecosystem restoration and protection. The CEPA commitments, synergies with EU4Environment – Water Resources and Data Management initiative and Lake Sevan vision can serve as the basis for a long-term consistent national approach.”
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UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili emphasized in her welcoming speech that the restoration of the Lake Sevan ecosystem which faces numerous environmental challenges today is urgent and of high importance, considering its strategic role for the country.
“The adoption of the Vision and the development of the strategy will lay the ground for practical actions to reach the national vision for Lake Sevan and the sustainability of joint results of the project for Armenia. Let me also appreciate the partnership established with our interlocutors: the Ministry of Environment, the European Union, and GIZ,” she highlighted.
During the event, the representatives of “ADWISE Business and Legal Consulting” presented details on the work on developing the long-term national vision of Lake Sevan and the results achieved in a multi-phase participatory approach. A panel discussion followed which elaborated on the importance of the vision and the benefits it entails.
The importance of the Lake Sevan vision 2050 is obvious from the point of view of Lake Sevan conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation, taking into account the strategic significance of the lake for Armenia. The vision will serve as the basis for a long-term consistent national approach, in order to ensure the sustainable development of the lake and its catchment basin.
Further, the process of developing a strategy to achieve the long-term national vision of Lake Sevan and the actions to be taken in the near future were presented by “CIVITTA AM” CJSC. The scope and timeframe of the activities, the respective methodological approaches to be applied during the work process, and the expected results were presented. The presentation was followed by a discussion with the stakeholders.
Representatives of state institutions, the public sector, scientific institutes and international organizations attended the event.
The “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is part of the EU Action “EU4 Energy Efficiency and Environment,” and of the BMZ-funded programme “Management of natural resources and safeguarding of ecosystem services for sustainable rural development in the South Caucasus (ECOserve).” The project is implemented by GIZ and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
