Deputy Minister of Environment Anna Mazmanyan met with Special Commissioner for International Cooperation on Climate and Energy of Poland Sebastian Barkovsky at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow #COP26.
Anna Mazmanyan thanked her colleagues for the meeting and noted that Armenia values close cooperation with international partners in the field of environmental management.
The Deputy Minister spoke about the actions carried out in the context of the country, which take place under the auspices of the revised national action level of Armenia, including the promotion of electric mobility, the implementation of the partnership action plan at the national level, improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, increasing forest areas and improving the ecosystem of Lake Sevan through GIZ and the EU4SEVAN UNDP program. The need to improve energy efficiency in communities and the development of renewable energy was emphasized. In this regard, the country already has good experience with the KFW program, including long-term actions in protected areas.
Anna Mazmanyan addressed the problem of wastewater and solid waste management and noted that Armenia needs consultations and exchange of international experience to solve this problem.
The Deputy Minister informed his colleagues that after #COP26, the Polish side will be provided with comprehensive information on the assessed needs of the country in the hope of further cooperation and the implementation of joint programs.
Mr. Barkovsky spoke about Poland's readiness to support neighboring EU countries in the fight against climate change.
The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management of Poland was represented, which has been using environmental payments and EU funds for 30 years to finance programs promoting clean air, water, soil and nature protection.
Sebastian Barkowski presented that the Polish Climate Assistance Initiative is ready, through investment and consulting programs implemented by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, to assist 14 neighboring EU countries, including Armenia, in the following areas: development of climate policy, improvement of air quality, energy efficiency of buildings, transport with zero and low emissions, within 11.25 million euros.
The presented programs should be in tune with the priorities of the Government in the climate agenda and meet the investment criteria of the Fund.
The parties agreed to carry out more intensive work in this direction after the end of the conference.