National Initiative Group Meeting Armenia

On December 22, 2021, a regular working meeting of the Armenia National Initiative Group within the framework of the “Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation Capacities in the South Caucasus" project was held dedicated to the ongoing activities, particularly to the activities implemented in the pilot Hovk community, to the introduction of the “Climate civil Circulating Investment Foundation” and it`s potential implementation approach as well as discussion and planning of upcoming activities.
 The meeting was attended by the representatives and experts from Caucasus Network for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Caucasus), UNDP, “GeoRisk” Scientific Research Company, National Platform of Disaster Risk Reduction (ARNAP), Yerevan State University, Armenian State University of Economics, Armenian State Pedagogical University, Crisis Management State Academy of MES, Institute of Botany after Takhtajyan of NAS RA, Educational and Ecological NGO, “Khazer” ecological and cultural NGO, Aarhus Center, etc. 
NIG Co-Chair Hayk Igityan presented the results of drone extraction and 3-dimensional modeling of the Hovk community-activated landslide. He also substantiated landslide triggers, their connection with factors driven by Climate Change, due to exceeding the norm of one-time precipitation of many times.
DRM expert Ashot Sargsyan emphasized the direct link between Climate change proves and disaster risk management. The discussion focused on the lack of funds available to communities for the implementation of the National Accountability Plan (NAP).
UNDP expert Armen Chilingaryan supported the proposal to focus efforts on issues that require joint solutions. He noted, that a coordinated approach to risk management will save the effort of individual work in the community.
At the end of the meeting, participants discussed the high level of poverty and unemployment in the communities, especially in remote mountainous communities, where the negative effects of Climate Change are more pronounced.