Today, the Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan held an online meeting with a group of program coordinators of the German Bank for Reconstruction Loans (KfW).
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of the Environment Anna Mazmanyan, Head of the International Cooperation Department Ruzanna Grigoryan, Head of the Program Portfolio of the German Reconstruction Bank (KfW) Frank Merschl, Head of the Program Department Thomas Eisenbach and representative of Armenia Zara Chatinyan.
The progress of joint programs in the bilateral format and issues related to their expansion and extension were discussed.
Minister Hakob Simidyan expressed his gratitude for the efforts made and constant assistance to environmental reforms, the Minister confirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Environment for consistent cooperation in order to ensure the full and effective implementation of the actions provided for in the joint program.
During the meeting, the parties touched upon the grant program  “Support Program for Protected Areas-Armenia”, implemented since 2015 with the financial support of KfW, which is aimed at strengthening and improving the management of the capabilities of 7 specially protected natural territories of Syunik region, as well as improving the socio-economic situation of 32 communities in the buffer zone of the above-mentioned protected areas.
In order to complete the planned actions, the program has been extended for 18 months.
The grant agreement on the "Biodiversity and Sustainable Local Development in Armenia" program, which will ensure the conservation and stable use of natural resources in biodiversity-rich territories, was also discussed. The duration of the program is planned for 8 years. The total budget of the grant program is 23,208,483. 13 euros, provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) through KfW.
In addition to the grant agreement between the Republic of Armenia and KfW "Biodiversity and sustainable local development in Armenia", additional funding in the amount of 3 million euros was signed in July 2021.
The parties agreed to continue the meetings and discussions and in a partnership atmosphere to begin the full implementation of the obligations arising from the signed bilateral agreements.