Armenia takes an intersectoral approach to solving problems of water  sector management

ArmInfo. On October 3 and October 4, the 20th meeting of the interdepartmental advisory commission of the National Policy Dialogue in the water sector is  being held in Armenia. This is stated in the message of the RA  Ministry of Environment.

The source notes that the sustainable management of water resources  will play a key role in the continuous socio-economic development of  Armenia. About 80% of the country's crops are irrigated, agriculture  provides 12% of GDP, and hydropower accounts for 40% of all  electricity produced.

On October 3 and October 4, Armenia will host the 20th meeting of the  interdepartmental advisory Commission of the National Water Policy  Dialogue, which is an important milestone in connection with the  recently adopted amendments to the RA Water Code, which bring the  country closer to EU water legislation.  In order to prepare for this  meeting, by the decision of the Minister of the Environment, Armenia  reformed the composition of the advisory interdepartmental commission  of the National Policy Dialogue in the water sector, ensuring a broad  representation of state and local government bodies, scientific and  educational institutions and non-governmental organizations in the  water policy in the reform process.

The Interdepartmental Advisory Commission, chaired by Deputy  Environment Minister Gayane Gabrielyan, consists of 35 members  representing the Ministries of Environment, Territorial  Administration and Infrastructure, Finance, Economy, Public Services  Regulatory Commission, territorial administration bodies,  universities, scientific institutions and public organizations. The  purpose of the meeting, organized within the framework of the "Water  Resources and Environmental Data" program, is to determine the  priorities for managing water resources and the environment, to  assess the progress of ongoing reforms in the water sector and  presenting to the members of the advisory interdepartmental  commission the latest developments of national and international  programs implemented in the water sector of Armenia.

According to Gayane Gabrielyan, Armenia is the leader in the  Democracy Index in the region, as evidenced by the 2021 figures.

The country also applies democratic approaches to water management.  The national policy dialogue in the water sector in this context is  an important platform for the coordination and effective work of  international organizations and initiatives active in this field in  order to promote the sustainable management of water resources and  the rational use of resources in the context of climate change.

Head of the Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation to Armenia  Frank Hess expresses satisfaction with the cooperation between the  European Union and Armenia on the path of reforms in the water  sector.  Water, he says, is central to any national economy, and  partnership work is crucial in gaining support for reforms.  "Armenia's commitment to national policy dialogue provides a stable  platform for changes," Hess said.

Alexander Zinke, who represents the Austrian Environmental Protection  Agency, noted that, like other Eastern Partnership countries, Armenia  also faces problems related to water pollution and the exploitation  of water resources, and these resources need better protection. The  EU program continues to strengthen the capacity of river basin  planning, monitoring and sustainable water use, and the collection  and publication of additional data on land use, waste and air  pollution. "Overall, we are very pleased with the progress made,"  Zinke stressed.