Stable management of expensive water resources will play a key role in the long-term socio-economic development of Armenia. About 80% of the country's agricultural crops are irrigated. Agriculture provides 12% of GDP, and hydropower accounts for 40% of the total electricity produced. Water is really an intersectoral problem: it concerns all sectors of the economy and people's lives.
On October 3 and 4, 2022, the 20th meeting of the interdepartmental advisory commission on the dialogue of national water policy will be held in Armenia. This dialogue is an important milestone in connection with the recently adopted amendments to the RA Water Code, which bring the country closer to the EU water legislation.
To prepare for this meeting, by the decision of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia No. 304-L dated September 6, 2022, Armenia reformed the composition of the interdepartmental advisory commission on the dialogue of national water policy, ensuring broad representation of public administration and local self-government bodies, scientific and educational institutions and public organizations in the process of reforming water policy.
The meeting was attended by members of the interdepartmental advisory commission on the dialogue of national policy in the water sector of Armenia.
The Interdepartmental Advisory Commission consists of 35 members representing the Ministries of Environment, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Finance, Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the Commission for the Regulation of Public Services, territorial administration bodies, universities, scientific institutions and NGOs.
EU delegations to Armenia and international programs and donors operating in the water sector of Armenia were also present.
Chaired by the Ministry of the Environment and the "EU for the Environment. The purpose of the meeting, organized within the framework of the "Water resources and Environmental data" program, is to use the moment created by the amendment of the Water Code, identify priorities for water and environmental management, assess the progress of reforms implemented in the water sector and present to the members of the interdepartmental advisory commission the latest developments of national and international programs implemented in the water sector of Armenia.
Deputy Minister of Environment Gayane Gabrielyan noted in her speech․
"The Republic of Armenia is the leader in the region in terms of democracy, which also indicates the year 2021. The interdepartmental Commission for the dialogue of national policy in the water sphere, including representatives of various government departments, scientific and educational institutions and public organizations at the national and local levels, promotes the implementation of the programs of the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the water sphere and the country's international obligations: The National Water Policy Dialogue is also an important platform for coordination, complementarity and ensuring the effective work of international organizations and initiatives operating in the field in order to promote sustainable water resources management and rational use of resources in the context of climate change."
According to the expert, from the point of view of legislation, marriages with minors are pedophilia, for which they are imprisoned․
"The EU is pleased to cooperate with Armenia in the way of reforming water policy. water is key to any national economy, and partnership work is crucial to gain support for reforms. Armenia's commitment to the national policy dialogue provides a stable platform for change."
The representative of the Austrian Environmental Agency Alexander Zinke in his speech noted․
"Like other EU Eastern Partnership countries, Armenia also faces problems related to water pollution and exploitation of water resources, and these resources need better protection.