Overview of the Armenian-Georgian Water Cooperation

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Overview of the Armenian-Georgian Water Cooperation Bi-lateral Meeting between Armenia and Georgia on Cooperation in the Khrami-Debed River Basin OVERVIEW OF THE ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN WATER COOPERATION Vahagn Tonoyan EUWI+ Project Local Representative in Armenia Yerevan, 14 October 2019 REGIONAL/TRANSBOUNDARY PROJECTS • Water Management in the South Caucasus (USAID, 2001-2004) • Joint River Management Programme on Monitoring and Assessment of Water Quality on Transboundary Rivers (EU TACIS, 2002-2003) • Trans-boundary Cooperation for Hazard Prevention in the Kura-river Basin (Federal Environmental Agency of Germany, 2003-2006) • Science for Peace Program - South Caucasus River Monitoring (NATO/ OSCE, 2002-2008) • Development of Transboundary Cooperation for Hazard Prevention in Kura-Aras Basin countries (German Ministry of Environment, 2003- 2006) • Reducing Transboundary Degradation in the Kura-Aras Basin. UNDP/GEF. 2003-2008 • South Caucasus Water Program (USAID, 2005-2008) 2 REGIONAL/TRANSBOUNDARY PROJECTS (CONTINUED) • Water Governance Project (EU/TACIS, 2008-2010) • Trans Boundary River Management Phase II for the Kura River (EU/TACIS, 2008-2011) • Fostering Transboundary Cooperation in the Kura-Aras River Basin (UNDP/ENVSEC, 2010-2011) • Trans Boundary River Management Phase III for the Kura River (EU/TACIS, 2012-2013) • Reducing Transboundary Degradation in the Kura-Aras Basin (UNDP/GEF, 2011-2014) • Environmental Protection for International River Basins (EU, 2012- 2016) • European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership (EU, 2016-2020) 3 STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATION • Initial approach of donors’ community was to develop and establish legal and institutional frameworks for multilateral cooperation in which all countries of the basin would participate • A number of attempts (e.g. meeting in Tbilisi in March 2008 organized in the framework of UNDP/ENVSEC project) revealed that Countries are not prepared to formally establishing legal and institutional frameworks for cooperation on multilateral basis • Countries show more willingness to cooperate on bilateral basis and on technical aspects, such as joint monitoring of transboundary water resources, etc. 4 OUTCOMES OF THE ENVSEC PROJECT • Guidance document on the joint river monitoring programme: • Armenian-Georgian Joint transboundary monitoring program of water quality in Ktsia (Khrami)-Debed River basins • Monitoring approach • Debed-hydrological post between Aktakla and Ayrum (AM 1), • Debed-Ayrum (AM 2), • Debed-Sarakhlo (GE 1), • Ktsia-Khrami-Imiri Bridge (GE 2) • Monitoring frequency • 8 times simultaneous monitoring • 4 times joint monitoring • Other technical details • Data reporting; Quality control/quality management; Dissemination of the results 5 COOPERATION BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GEORGIA • General agreement on cooperation in environmental management between Armenia and Georgia (1998) • Draft Protocol (Agreement) on Cooperation between the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Georgia on Protection and Sustainable Use of Transboundary Water Resources (2011) • Establishment of joint Commission on cooperation in the sphere of transboundary water resources; • Development of cooperation between the systems of the countries, in charge of monitoring of water resources; • Support to sharing of information on the status of water resources and further scientific-technical cooperation in that sector; • Taking measures for prevention and reduction of the impacts of emergency situations of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic nature, including flooding, mudflows, landslides, droughts and other impacts of water 6 COOPERATION BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GEORGIA • Article 2: Scope of the Protocol (Agreement) • Article 4: Principles of Cooperation • Article 5: Monitoring and Ecological Assessment • Article 6: Emergency Situations • Article 7: EIA • Article 9: Data Exchange • Article 10: Scientific-Technical Cooperation • Article 11: Financing • Article 14: The Commission 7 THANK YOU FOR ATTENTION! www.facebook.com/euwiplus www.euwipluseast.eu 8.
Recommended publications
  • Some Remarks on the Current Efforts for Future Protection of the Kura Water Resources Through Trans-Boundary Cooperation and Modernized National Policy Measures
    International Journal of Hydrology Case Report Open Access Some remarks on the current efforts for future protection of the kura water resources through trans-boundary cooperation and modernized national policy measures Abstract Volume 1 Issue 4 - 2017 Azerbaijan locates in the downstream of the Kura river basin. Protection of the bio- Mehman Agarza Oglu Rzayev resources of the Kura River is important for the future welfare and health of the Department of Agricultural Water and Soil, Azerbaijan Scientific- population living in this basin. Therefore coordinated action for the rational use of Production Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Amelioration, the water resources between basin countries is necessary to mitigate main trans- Azerbaijan boundary problems of changes in hydrological flows, worsening of the river water quality, degradation of the ecosystem and intensified flooding due to the observed Correspondence: Mehman Agarza oglu Rzayev, Department consequence of global climate changes taking place in the recent period. This of Agricultural Water and Soil, Azerbaijan Scientific-Production manuscript outlines the proposals within UNDP-GEF Kura - Araz Project ((Kura II Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Amelioration, Project) to improve interaction and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia as a Azerbaijan, Tel +994503246061, Email [email protected] model for future deepening of the relationship between all basin countries to protect fresh water resources and ecological safety of the entire river ecosystem. Received: September 04, 2017 | Published: November 10, 2017 Introduction industrial wastewaters and return flow from agriculture, imposing health, ecological and aesthetic threats. Water pollution takes place Kura River is the main waterway in Caucasus area, originates from due to the mining industry, agriculture and livestock activities starting eastern Turkey, with the total length of 1515 km and inflow to the from the upstream basin countries.4,5 The cooperation between the Caspian Sea through Georgia and Azerbaijan.
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Value-Chains Assessment Report April 2020.Pdf
    1 2 ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION The Member States of the European Union have decided to link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders. ABOUT THE PUBLICATION: This publication was produced within the framework of the EU Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), and implemented by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia. In the framework of the European Union-funded EU-GAIA project, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) hereby agrees that the reader uses this manual solely for non-commercial purposes. Prepared by: EV Consulting CJSC © 2020 Austrian Development Agency. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions. Yerevan, 2020 3 CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 5 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................... 6 2. OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURE IN ARMENIA AND GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES.....................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Development Project Ideas Goris, Tegh, Gorhayk, Meghri, Vayk
    Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development of the Republic of Armenia DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IDEAS GORIS, TEGH, GORHAYK, MEGHRI, VAYK, JERMUK, ZARITAP, URTSADZOR, NOYEMBERYAN, KOGHB, AYRUM, SARAPAT, AMASIA, ASHOTSK, ARPI Expert Team Varazdat Karapetyan Artyom Grigoryan Artak Dadoyan Gagik Muradyan GIZ Coordinator Armen Keshishyan September 2016 List of Acronyms MTAD Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development ATDF Armenian Territorial Development Fund GIZ German Technical Cooperation LoGoPro GIZ Local Government Programme LSG Local Self-government (bodies) (FY)MDP Five-year Municipal Development Plan PACA Participatory Assessment of Competitive Advantages RDF «Regional Development Foundation» Company LED Local economic development 2 Contents List of Acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 2 Contents ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Structure of the Report .............................................................................................................. 5 Preamble ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 9 Approaches to Project Implementation ..................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Stocktaking Exercise to Identify Legal, Institutional, Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Gaps and Barriers in Water Resour
    “National Adaptation Plan to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia” UNDP-GCF Project Stocktaking exercise to identify legal, institutional, vulnerability assessment and adaptation gaps and barriers in water resources management under climate change conditions Prepared by “Geoinfo” LLC Contract Number: RFP 088/2019 YEREVAN 2020 Produced by GeoInfo, Ltd., Charents 1, Yerevan, Armenia Action coordinated by Vahagn Tonoyan Date 11.06.2020 Version Final Produced for UNDP Climate Change Program Financed by: GCF-UNDP “National Adaptation Plan to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia” project Authors National experts: Liana Margaryan, Aleksandr Arakelyan, Edgar Misakyan, Olympia Geghamyan, Davit Zakaryan, Zara Ohanjanyan International consultant: Soroosh Sorooshian 2 Content List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................... 7 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 1. ANALYSIS OF POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF WATER SECTOR AND IDENTIFICATION OF GAPS AND BARRIERS IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ............................. 19 Summary of Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................... 19 1.1 The concept and criteria of water resources adaptation to climate change .................................
    [Show full text]
  • Geographic Characteristic of the Republic of Armenia
    GEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTIC OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TERRITORY Republic of Armenia is situated in south-western part of Asia. The country occupies the north-eastern part of Armenian plateau – between Caucasus and Nearest Asia (the inter- river territory between the middle flows of Kur and Araks rivers). The total territory is located in the latitude of 380 501 - 410 181 N and longitude of 430 271 - 460 371 E. In the north and east it borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan, and in the west and south – Turkey and Iran. The country’s area comprises 29743 km2, of which 46.8% - agricultural land, 34.9% - mountains, plateaus and other land, 12.7% - forests and 5.6% - water surface. The highest elevation of the country is the Peak of Aragats Mountain (4090 m), the deepest landslide – the Debed river canyon (390 m). The longest extension from north-west to south-east is 360 km, and from west to east – 200 km. The largest lake in the territory of Armenia is Sevan Lake (surface 1239 km2), the longest river is Araks – 158 km (the total length – 1072 km). 6 Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 1998-2002 The top of Aragats mountain MOUNTAIN TOPS Name Place The height above sea level, m Aragats Aragats massif 4090 Kaputjugh Zangezur mountain range 3906 Ajdahak Geghama mountain range 3598 Spitakasar Geghama mountain range 3555 Vardenis Vardenis mountain range 3522 Aramasar Bargushat mountain range 3392 Ishkhanasar Gharabagh plateau 3549 Baghatssar Meghri mountain range 3250 Khustup Khustup-Katar mountain range 3214 Legli Javakhk mountain range 3157 Gogi Vayk mountain range 3113 Tej ler Pambak mountain range 3101 Mets Eghnakhagh Eghnakhagh mountain range 3042 Bovakar Halab mountain range 3016 Urasar Bazum mountain range 2993 Miapor Miapor mountain range 2993 Qashatagh Sevan mountain range 2901 Aray ler Aray massif 2577 Armenia is a mountainous country.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of Draft the River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda River Basin
    European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+) Results 2 and 3 DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT THE RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR KHRAMI-DEBEDA RIVER BASIN CONSULTATION ON THE PROGRAMME OF MEASURES REPORT 1 October 2020 Beneficiaries Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) Responsible EU member state consortium project leader Mr Alexander Zinke, Umweltbundesamt GmbH (AT) EUWI+ country representative in Georgia Zurab Jincharadze Responsible international thematic lead expert Yannick Pochon; Office International de l’Eau (FR) Responsible Georgian thematic lead expert Mariam Makarova, MEPA Author Keti Jibladze, the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus Disclaimer: The EU-funded programme European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+) is implemented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organisation for Eco- nomic Co-operation and Development (OECD), both responsible for the implementation of Result 1, and an EU member state consortium comprising the Environment Agency Austria (UBA, Austria), the lead coordinator, and the International Office for Water (OiEau, France), both responsible for the implementation of Results 2 and 3. The programme is co-funded by Austria and France through the Austrian Development Agency and the French Artois-Picardie Water Agency. This document was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the governments of the Eastern Partnership Countries. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of, or sovereignty over, any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries, and to the name of any territory, city or area.
    [Show full text]
  • Agriculture and Food Processing in Armenia
    SAMVEL AVETISYAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING IN ARMENIA YEREVAN 2010 Dedicated to the memory of the author’s son, Sergey Avetisyan Approved for publication by the Scientifi c and Technical Council of the RA Ministry of Agriculture Peer Reviewers: Doctor of Economics, Prof. Ashot Bayadyan Candidate Doctor of Economics, Docent Sergey Meloyan Technical Editor: Doctor of Economics Hrachya Tspnetsyan Samvel S. Avetisyan Agriculture and Food Processing in Armenia – Limush Publishing House, Yerevan 2010 - 138 pages Photos courtesy CARD, Zaven Khachikyan, Hambardzum Hovhannisyan This book presents the current state and development opportunities of the Armenian agriculture. Special importance has been attached to the potential of agriculture, the agricultural reform process, accomplishments and problems. The author brings up particular facts in combination with historic data. Brief information is offered on leading agricultural and processing enterprises. The book can be a useful source for people interested in the agrarian sector of Armenia, specialists, and students. Publication of this book is made possible by the generous fi nancial support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and assistance of the “Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development” Foundation. The contents do not necessarily represent the views of USDA, the U.S. Government or “Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development” Foundation. INTRODUCTION Food and Agriculture sector is one of the most important industries in Armenia’s economy. The role of the agrarian sector has been critical from the perspectives of the country’s economic development, food safety, and overcoming rural poverty. It is remarkable that still prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia made unprecedented steps towards agrarian reforms.
    [Show full text]
  • Genocide and Deportation of Azerbaijanis
    GENOCIDE AND DEPORTATION OF AZERBAIJANIS C O N T E N T S General information........................................................................................................................... 3 Resettlement of Armenians to Azerbaijani lands and its grave consequences ................................ 5 Resettlement of Armenians from Iran ........................................................................................ 5 Resettlement of Armenians from Turkey ................................................................................... 8 Massacre and deportation of Azerbaijanis at the beginning of the 20th century .......................... 10 The massacres of 1905-1906. ..................................................................................................... 10 General information ................................................................................................................... 10 Genocide of Moslem Turks through 1905-1906 in Karabagh ...................................................... 13 Genocide of 1918-1920 ............................................................................................................... 15 Genocide over Azerbaijani nation in March of 1918 ................................................................... 15 Massacres in Baku. March 1918................................................................................................. 20 Massacres in Erivan Province (1918-1920) ...............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Armenian Tourist Attraction
    Armenian Tourist Attractions: Rediscover Armenia Guide http://mapy.mk.cvut.cz/data/Armenie-Armenia/all/Rediscover%20Arme... rediscover armenia guide armenia > tourism > rediscover armenia guide about cilicia | feedback | chat | © REDISCOVERING ARMENIA An Archaeological/Touristic Gazetteer and Map Set for the Historical Monuments of Armenia Brady Kiesling July 1999 Yerevan This document is for the benefit of all persons interested in Armenia; no restriction is placed on duplication for personal or professional use. The author would appreciate acknowledgment of the source of any substantial quotations from this work. 1 von 71 13.01.2009 23:05 Armenian Tourist Attractions: Rediscover Armenia Guide http://mapy.mk.cvut.cz/data/Armenie-Armenia/all/Rediscover%20Arme... REDISCOVERING ARMENIA Author’s Preface Sources and Methods Armenian Terms Useful for Getting Lost With Note on Monasteries (Vank) Bibliography EXPLORING ARAGATSOTN MARZ South from Ashtarak (Maps A, D) The South Slopes of Aragats (Map A) Climbing Mt. Aragats (Map A) North and West Around Aragats (Maps A, B) West/South from Talin (Map B) North from Ashtarak (Map A) EXPLORING ARARAT MARZ West of Yerevan (Maps C, D) South from Yerevan (Map C) To Ancient Dvin (Map C) Khor Virap and Artaxiasata (Map C Vedi and Eastward (Map C, inset) East from Yeraskh (Map C inset) St. Karapet Monastery* (Map C inset) EXPLORING ARMAVIR MARZ Echmiatsin and Environs (Map D) The Northeast Corner (Map D) Metsamor and Environs (Map D) Sardarapat and Ancient Armavir (Map D) Southwestern Armavir (advance permission
    [Show full text]
  • Reducing Transboundary Degradation in the Kura-Aras Basin
    UNDP Project Document Governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia United Nations Development Programme United Nations Office for Project Services Reducing Transboundary Degradation in the Kura-Aras Basin The Project will assist the Kura-Aras riparian states to 1) identify the principal threats and root causes of the trans-boundary water resources of the Kura Aras-River Transboundary Basin and 2) develop and implement a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investments to address these threats. Balancing overuse and conflicting uses of water resources in transboundary surface and groundwater basins is seen as the critical issue in the basin and will be a principal focus of project attention from the very outset of project related activities. The Project will create synergies with and build upon a range of initiatives being undertaken by the countries themselves and those of bi-lateral and multi- lateral donors that have given priority to the Basin. The long-term development/environmental goal of the project is sustainable development of the Kura-Aras River Basin enhanced through ecosystem-based Integrated Water Resource Management approaches. The project objective is to improve the management of the Kura-Aras River Transboundary Basin through the implementation of a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investment options using the Trans-boundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) process. In order to achieve this objective, the project will update the TDA, support National IWRM plans which will be the base of the SAP, undertake a range of public involvement and awareness activities focusing on trans-boundary activities, and undertake demonstration projects that implement key aspects of the SAP.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Finance Database for Municipalities in Armenia
    Stage 3 of Local finances comparative analysis program Conclusions and lessons learned Vahan Movsisyan Yerevan, November 22 1 LFCA program in Armenia LFCA is being implemented in model-communities: At stage 1, it was implemented in five communities (as of 2015 indocators) Three amalgamated communities – Dilijan, Toumanyan and Tatev +Abovyan and Ashtarak At stage 2, it was implemented in seven communities (as of 2016 idicators) Seven of the 15 amalgamated communities – Koghb, Noyemberyan, Ayrum, Goraiq, Meghri, Tegh, Goris At stage 3, it was implemented in eight communities (as of 2016 indicators) Eight out of 15 amalgamated communities – Amasia, Ashotsk, Sarapat, Arpi, Jermuk, Vayk, Urtsadzor, Zaritap 2 Implementation of LFCA program LFCA is being implemented by experts There is a questionnaire adapted and amended multiple times Who has developed the questionnaire? Why was it important to adapt and amend the questionnaire? Reports and policy recommendations of all the model communities are available 3 Assessment How the assessment was conducted By a scale of 0-10 With participation and upon agreement by the community representatives Why the assessment was conducted and how it will be applied in future The instrument does not a punitive connotation It is being applied exclusively for the assessment of the community finances management, to identify the gaps, to learn lessons and based on that to improve the management of finances 4 Lessons learned The fact that communities were formed in the middle of the year, had a serious impact on the
    [Show full text]
  • Workshop on Regional and Trans-Boundary Energy Issues And
    “High voltage electricity line between Armenia and Georgia (regulatory framework)” AREG GALSTYAN DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF RA 1 Content The power system of Armenia Investment projects Financing of the investment projects Legislative, regulatory and contractual frameworks Conclusion 2 The power system of Armenia 3 The Power System of Armenia 1. Full self-sufficiency in generation capacity – Working capacity 2700 MW, at peak load 1700 MW 2. Diversification by type of generation – NPP – 40% of internal demand – HPP – 35% of internal demand (of which 9% small HPPs) – TPP – 25% of internal demand 3. Diversification by sources and routes of natural gas supply – Two main gas pipeline: • the northern route from Russia • the southern route from Iran 4 The Power System of Armenia 4. Commissioning of the new thermal CC units – YerTPP – 220 МВт, Hrazdan-5 – 440 МВт 5. Development of small HPPs – 283 MW were commissioned – 115 MW are under construction 6. Life extension of the existing NPP up to 2027 7. Construction up to 2027 of new TPPs and HPPs with total installed capacity about 800 MW 8. Construction and commissioning new NPP in 2027 5 The Power System of Armenia 9. Development up to 2027 of renewable energy recourses (wind, solar, geothermal) with total installed capacity about 400 MW 10. Existing interconnections – Two 220 kV overhead lines Armenia-Iran, 400 MW – 220 kV overhead line Armenia-Georgia, 200 MW – Two 110 kV overhead lines Armenia-Georgia, 150 MW – 220 kV overhead line Armenia-Turkey, 200 MW – out of
    [Show full text]