NEW PROSPECTS, WIDE HORIZONS

The outputs of international cooperation of the Ministry of Environment.
Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan today received the delegation led by Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Armenia Mrs. Ahlam Al Salami .
The Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan greeted Mrs. Ahlam Al Salami , afterwards the sides discussed a number of issues related to bilateral cooperation.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy Mrs. Ahlam Al Salami extended a vote of thanks to Minister Petrosyan for the cordial reception, then the parties dwelt on the fulfillment of joint programs and the preconditions for new projects.
Earlier, a memorandum of cooperation in the sphere of environmental protection was signed between the RA Ministry of Environment and UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on January 15, 2019.
The Minister reflected on the spheres of cooperation stipulated by the above-mentioned memorandum,  stressing the necessity to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation.
The sides laid special emphasis on the collaborative actions in the management and expansion of specially  protected areas of nature, inclusive of protection and resettlement of endangered species. The cooperation in the aforementioned sphere is highlighted, taking into consideration the UAE's advanced and successful experience, the fact that Armenia is one of the 25 "hotspots" of the world biodiversity, by dint of the rich flora and fauna of our country.
In this context, Minister Petrosyan expressed willingness to cooperate within the framework of the implementation of the project directed to the prospects for resettlement and reproduction of "Asian Houbara" in the southwest of Armenia. It is anticipated to have support by the UAE both at the expert level and in the acquisition of the necessary individuals of Asian Houbara and their transfer to Armenia.
Referring to ''Arabian oryx diplomacy" initiative, the parties considered the actions addressed to sustainable environmental management and promoting the efficiency of biodiversity preservation.
Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan and Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy Mrs. Ahlam Al Salami also made reference to the opportunity of expand the perspectives  of cooperation in the field of forest policy development and implementation. The UAE partners offered the Armenian side to perform large-scale "Ghaf" tree planting project in Armenia. Note, that this tree species has been declared as a global symbol of tolerance. Minister Petrosyan expressed readiness to implement the initiative in an effort  to establish new forest-covered areas in our country through tree species after discussions with professional circles, and stated that such cooperation will be a unique impetus for the development of bilateral sectoral cooperation.
In terms of implementing joint programs in the sphere of waste management, Minister Petrosyan notabely touched upon the issue of UAE’s rich experience in capacity building and development meant for waste recycling and investment opportunities.
He presented “Kotayk and Gegharkunik Municipal Solid Waste Management” project, which envisages the construction of a sanitary landfill (including infrastructure, buildings and structures) in the administrative territory of Hrazdan, Kotayk region, complied with EU standards, and the introduction of an efficient waste collection system. The sides agreed to discuss the potential of cooperation within the framework of the above-mentioned program.
Minister Petrosyan noted that the Armenian side is ready to provide the UAE with the necessary information on the current programs in the sphere of waste management, information on the upcoming projects as well.
The meeting took place in a warm and partner atmosphere.