ARMENIA NEEDS A STRATEGY TO DEVELOP GREEN ECONOMY
The concept of “green economy” is a relatively new and promising
direction in economic science. In an exclusive interview with ARKA
news agency, Gagik Makarian, the chairman of the National Union of
Employers of Armenia, speaks on the prospects of its development and
possible introduction of “green technologies” in Armenia
ARKA – Mr. Makarian, there is a lot of talk about “green technology”
and the “green economy.” What are the prospects for ‘green economy’
development in Armenia?
Makarian – First of all, I would like to note that the concept of
“green economy” is a promising concept, advanced by scientists in
the USA and Europe. For Armenia, this is a relatively new culture.
Therefore, in this situation it is too early to talk about specific
models, because first of all we need to create a framework for a
‘green economy,’ alternative energy sources, and only then proceed
to designing a model for its development.
ARKA – What alternative energy sources are available in Armenia?
Makarian – Very promising is the use of solar energy, because we have
more than 300 sunny days a year. Another source of alternative energy
is wind power. However, I would like to say that wind farms can not
be placed anywhere. Before building a wind power plant a number of
engineering problems must be solved, such as choosing the best site
and assessing the terrain, reinforcing the soil for the plant. Now
Europe has switched to building wind power plants with a few megawatts
capacity. It is noteworthy that they are placed in lieu of old plants,
which are dismantled and sold at a lower price. Armenia, for example,
could purchase these plants and place them in its territory. A wind
power may supply electricity to a farm, a village. It may also be
used for defense purposes.
ARKA – How many jobs could be created by shifting to alternative
energy sources?
Makarian – A great many. Development, manufacturing, distribution
and use of alternative energy sources require a large number of
experts, including scientists, engineers and builders. Of course, we
realize that this is associated with large investments; however, the
introduction of green technology will pay off. But more importantly,
we can save the environment. Sometimes it seems that the amount of
resources in the world is inexhaustible, but it is not: The natural
resources are limited, hence the need to take urgent measures to
preserve them, otherwise nothing will be left to our descendants in
a few generations.
ARKA – What kind of obstacles do exist in Armenia for the transition
to the green economy, and what steps should be taken to overcome them?
Makarian – When it comes to introduction of green economy we understand
that a great deal must be done. First of all, we need to develop
a clear-cut strategy for the conservation of the environment, to
identify correctly our strategic objectives, to evaluate the possible
consequences and then determine the government’s further policy in
this direction.
Second, we should define the priorities of the Armenian economy. This
should be done in such a way that separate sectors could develop
independently without interfering with each other. For example, mining
plants should not be built in the vicinity of agricultural land because
otherwise it would be impossible to ensure the environmental safety
of manufactured products.
Third, our country has ratified a number of international conventions,
which define the issues of environmental protection, but to date the
requirements of the conventions in our country are often not observed.
Fourth, we should encourage introduction of low-waste, competitive
technologies with minimal damage to the environment. For example,
to switch to solar energy, in particular, to use solar panels as a
power source, as was done in neighboring Georgia, where the streets
are illuminated by solar energy. This method allows around the clock
uninterrupted supply of electricity.
We need also to shift to more precise statistics concerning measures
applied by organizations to protect the environment. For this I
would suggest that the National Statistical Service when preparing
statistical data about organizations and companies start also gauging
their contribution to the protection of environment. This will reveal
which enterprises have environmental protection concepts.
Besides, our country needs to develop tools to assess the impact on the
environment. Another major problem is poor public awareness of issues
concerning the green economy. Moreover, informing means not only to
inform, but also to teach by presenting the risks which have to be
taken into account by a country like Armenia due to its small size.
This in mind we need to start a profound teaching of green economy
basics as people, who will come tomorrow to the labor market, should
possess this information. Moreover, knowledge in this area should be
taught not only to those who are going to get education, but also those
who are already working in a particular organization. In this regard,
it is important that stakeholders conduct joint conferences, meetings
and other events, where they could discuss environmental challenges.
ARKA – What steps is the government taking to promote the development
of green economy?
Makarian – To this end, our government uses different methods of
encouragement. For example, it stimulates and finances business
projects which provide for introduction of Environmental Protection
Management (ISO 14000). The government also offers a three-year VAT
payment deferment for companies importing state-of-the-art technology
and equipment.
ARKA – What is the role of the private sector in the development of
green economy?
Makarian – The private sector is not independent; its activity depends
on the standards which the government adopts, implements and monitors.
The private sector, in the first place, must act within the legal
framework established by the state. However, it should be noted
that private companies can take certain steps to minimize damage to
the environment, the protection of which is the key factor for the
development of the green economy. We can start with relatively small
steps, for example, by placing solar panels at various locations,
including in tunnels and on the roofs of houses; introduce restrictions
on organizations for one sided printing of documents.
Even hermetically closed windows will save heating. It is also
important to make greater use of thermal insulation materials in the
construction, which will save heat due the thickness of the walls,
avoid installing inexpensive metal (aluminum) windows, as the metal
is a conductor of cold. Such measures, which at first glance look
primitive, in a very short time can lead to positive results.
ARKA – What are the positive effects from introduction of green
economy?
Makarian – Since one of the main goals of green economy is to
ensure environmental safety, one of the positive results will be the
confidence of the people that Armenia-made products are harmless and
living conditions are safe. But if we develop the criteria of food
safety, while the proportion of heavy metals in them will continue to
grow, we will not be able to provide this security. As a consequence,
this will lead to the loss of competitiveness of our food products.
ARKA – Given that all above said is observed when can we expect
positive results?
Makarian – If local organizations begin to take concrete steps today
to protect the environment, within two years we can expect serious
results. As for technology, its application, of course, will lead to
more significant results, but it will take more time. I would like
to note that the green economy has no negative sides at all. On
the contrary, it is aimed at the prevention and correction of all
existing ills.
ARKA – Does your Union cooperate with foreign organizations?
Makarian – We work closely with the International Labor Organization
(ILO), which is very supportive of us, with the International
Organization of Employers (IOE), the UN office, which is one of the
advocates of “green economy,” as well as with the German Society
for International Cooperation (GIZ). However, we do not intend to
rest on what has been done so far and will continue to develop our
cooperation with other international organizations in adapting their
advanced technology, in exchange of experience in education. We will
also hold joint conferences and publish relevant literature. -0-
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