There were considered the status of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures during the Interdepartmental Coordination Council

Chaired by First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Irina Ghaplanyan, the session on interdepartmental coordination council implementing the demands and thesis of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in the Ministry of Nature Protection.

Clean-up activities and tree planting were effected in the capital and in all regions

On March 23, the Ministry of Nature Protection and the staff of Ministry’s SNCOs participated in the nationwide clean-up day in Yerevan and all regions of Armenia.
In parallel to doing cleaning activities, the employees of SNCOs under the Ministry accomplished tree planting in forest and specially protected areas of nature, as well as in their adjacent areas. 

Formed water resources must be effectively used for the sake of Armenia

On March 22, the Ministry of Nature Protection and Mission of the United States Agency for International Development in Armenia (USAID/Armenia)  organized the joint event dedicated to World Water Day.

Discussed sectorial problem solving projects in the frames of events of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 

Today, "Forests and Education" workshop took place in “Armenia Marriott” hotel. The professional consultation was held within the framework of the International Day of Forests (IDF) proclaimed by the UN and annually  celebrated on the 21st of March.
The theme of this year's International Day of Forests is “Forest and education – Learn to Love Forests”.

Armenia has become a member of the Green Climate Fund Board

The United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF) was set up in 2010. It is headquartered in Songdo, South Korea. The Green Climate Fund is the largest “green” fund established within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Firefighting apparatus purchased for 360 firefighters was handed to the Ministries

In the frames of "Addressing climate change impact through enhanced capacity for wildfires management in Armenia" project, implemented under the Ministry of Nature Protection, the ceremony of handing firefighting tools and equipment purchased for 360 firefighters to the Ministries of Nature Protection and Emergency Situations took place in "Khosrov Forest" state reserve.

“EPIU” SA of the Ministry of Nature Protection has been accredited to the Green Climate Fund  

On February 27, 2019, in Songdo, Republic of Korea during the 22nd meeting of Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board accreditation application of “Environmental Project Implementation Unit” SI was approved.

The Minister of Nature Protection had a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador 

Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary  of U.S. to Armenia Lynne Tracy.
Welcoming the Ambassador-led delegation, the Minister of Nature Protection congratulated the Ambassador on assuming her diplomatic mission in Armenia and wished her fruitful work.

The package of draft laws on prohobition of plastic bag usage was discussed

The public discussion was held in the Ministry of Nature Protection over the Ministry-developed package of draft laws directed to banning plastic bag usage. The proposed amendments envisage prohobition of free provision of plastic bags from July 1, 2019, and defining of a special tax from January 1, 2020. These measures will redound to reduction of plastic bag usage, thus it is planned to prohobit their sale in Armenia in 2023.

Discussed the mechanisms to back the new environmental policy with WB delegations 

On February 27 and 28, Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan had meetings with the members of the World Bank Mission - who arrived in Armenia - headed by Country Manager of the World Bank for Armenia Sylvie Bossoutrot and Senior Environmental Specialist Sameer Akbar.

The cases of violations of norms on cutting trees were detected

There were revealed cases on illegal logging within  the last week, while supervising conservation-related measures in the areas under the control of the Ministry of Nature Protection subdivisions. The 5 cases on deforestation of 58 trees and 2 branches  were detected in Artsvaberd, Hrazdan, Chambarak and Noyemberyan forestry enterprises of "ArmForest" SNCO. 

Announcement

Dear compatriots,
The Ministry of Nature Protection has developed a package of draft laws prohibiting free providing of plastic bags from 01.07.2019; thus a  special tax will be defined from 01.01.2020. 

It will be encouraged direct cooperation between the environmental departments of two countries

Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan met with  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Jun Yamada.
In the course of the meeting, there were considered issues apropos of the enhanced cooperation between Armenia and Japan in the sphere of environmental protection.

The Minister of  Nature Protection met with representatives of KfW Bank

Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan received  Project Manager of the German Development Bank (KfW) Alvaro Berriel and KfW Bank Armenian Representative Zara Chatinyan. During the meeting the sides discussed current and prospective programs of the cooperation.

Invitation for the Evaluation of Small Grants Programs 

The Ministry of Nature Protection-coordinated “Support Program for Protected Areas-Armenia” (SPPA-A) project implementation unit invites corresponding experts of educational, scientific and non-governmental organizations to participate in small grant programs’ evaluation - received from NGOs - registered in RA Syunik Marz.

The National Adaptation Plan is being developed

"National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia" project  has been launched, which is implemented with financing of USD 2.7 million grant from the Green Climate Fund provided to Armenia. The project aims to establish adaptation  priorities in our country outlined through the Paris Agreement.

The Minister of Nature Protection discussed prospects for cooperation with the Ambassador of China 

Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan received  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China Tian Erlong.
The sides pointed out the great potential for cooperation between two states in the sphere of environmental protection and discussed the practical steps focused on the full-fledged utilization of thereof.

Public-private partnership to effecintely address environmental issues

Today,  Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan and General Manager of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia Christoph Speck signed a memorandum of understanding. The cooperation envisaged by the memorandum is focused on conservation and restoration of the environment, sustainable management of wastes and water resources.

The representatives of private sector organizations were advised of Green Climate Fund financial toolkit

In the frames of "Green Climate Fund - new possibilities for financing" seminar discussions, Environmental Projects Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Nature Protection organized the next meeting for the representatives of state and private organizations, scientific institutions in the spheres of energy and agriculture.

A grant of 700.000 thousand euros will be allocated to specially protected areas of nature for 2019

Minister of Nature Protection Erik Grigoryan met with Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) Executive Director Geof Giacomini and National Coordinator Arman Vermishyan.