EU project launched to enhance Lake Sevan ecosystem restoration and biodiversi

Representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Armenia officially announced the launch of the three-year EU4BiodiversityinSevan: Enhancing Lake Sevan Ecosystem Restoration project on October 22 at Armenia’s pavilion in the COP17 Blue Zone at the Meridian Expo Center in Yerevan.

€1.5 million will be allocated for the implementation of the project, with the entire amount provided by the European Union.

The project’s details, objectives and expected results were presented by Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia; Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia; and Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

Following the official announcement, participants in a panel discussion on the conservation of Lake Sevan’s biodiversity and socioeconomic development addressed the restoration of freshwater biodiversity, community and local sustainable development, as well as financing for ecosystem restoration. Particular attention was paid to practical approaches to the restoration, conservation and sustainable management of Lake Sevan.

Armenia’s approach to improving the environmental condition of Lake Sevan was presented. Measures in this direction include the development of sanitation infrastructure, improvements to wastewater treatment systems, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

The discussion also focused on combining environmental investment, international cooperation and the socioeconomic development of communities to ensure the long-term conservation of Lake Sevan.