The stakeholder consultation workshop was held on September 15, 2023 in Yerevan. This workshop followed a series of stockholders' discussions that were planned and implemented.
Sixteen participants invited from seven institutions as well as all experts involved in the Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) attended this final workshop.
The draft report has been discussed with all participants in detail, and the opinions of all institutions have been included. Problems that exist in the sector have also been discussed with IWG members.
The meeting was divided into sessions, which included an introduction and discussion of the following issues: Creating an Enabling Environment; Institutions and Participation; Management instruments; and Financing.
Based on feedback from all participants, it was found that Armenia is making significant strides towards incorporating the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in its policies, strategies, and legal framework. It was concluded that the country will likely achieve a high level of implementation by the end of 2030, based on the discussions held.
At the institutional level, there is a significant need to build capacity among existing staff for implementing IWRM principles.
Active involvement of donor organizations is needed to implement an integrated drought management plan, early warning system for floods and mudslides, and risk management plans and systems.
Armenia has made progress in introducing and implementing different components of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The state primarily finances water sector investments at the local level through subvention programs and co-financing implemented loan projects with a certain percentage. However, it is worth noting that despite state investments, there are still many grant supports that unfortunately do not aim to make significant investments.
All participants agreed that issues spanning multiple aspects of the system should be addressed collaboratively by all responsible parties. Participants expressed readiness to continue taking steps toward improving the sector.
More information is in the SDG 6.5.1 Stakeholder Consultation Report-Armenia.