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.
