REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA MINISTRY OF NATURE PROTECTION THIRD NATIONAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF UN CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN ARMENIA YEREVAN 2006 THIRD NATIONAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF UN CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN ARMENIA The Third National Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of UN “Convention to Combat Desertification” and provides information on initiated measures in the Republic of Armenia through 2002-2006 for implementation of the Convention The Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia expresses its appreciation to UNCCD Secretariat for provision of financial and methodological support for the preparation of the Third National Report. The report was submitted to the UNCCD Secretariat 30 May 2006 Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia Tel: (+374-10) 521099 Fax: (+374-10) 585349 E-mail: [email protected] ` 2 CONTENT SUMMARY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 BASIC INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 CHAPTER 1. STRATEGIES AND PRIORITIES ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND/OR POLICIES ------------------------------------------- 11 1.1. National Strategies and Plans ----------------------------------------------------------------- 11 1.2. New Indicators Included According to Decision 10/COP. 5 ------------------------------ 13 CHAPTER 2. INSTITUTIONAL MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE UNCCD -------------- 14 2.1. NAP as Part of National Economic and Social Development National Plan ----------- 14 2.2. Institutional Framework for Coherent and Functional Desertification Control ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 2.3. Coherent and Functional Normative-Legal Framework (Coherent and Functional Legal and Regulatory Framework) --------------------------------------------- 17 CHAPTER 3. PARTICIPATORY PROCESS IN SUPPORT OF PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTION PROGRAMME ----------------------------------------------------------- 19 CHAPTER 4. CONSULTATIVE PROCESS IN SUPPORT OF PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME AND PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH DEVELOPED COUNTRY PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION AND OTHER INTERESTED ENTITIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22 CHAPTER 5. MEASURES TAKEN OR PLANNED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME FOR ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT, INSURANCE OF CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND EXPEDIENT USE, PERFECTION OF ORGANIZATIONAL MECHANISMS, EXPANSION OF KNOWLEDGE OF DESERTIFICATION AND ITS CONTROL, AND MEASURES FOR MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF DROUGHT CONSEQUENCE --- 23 5.1. Adequate Diagnosis of Past Experience ----------------------------------------------------- 23 5.2. Established Technical Programmes and Functional Integrated Projects to Combat Desertification ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 5.3. Action Programmes Implemented in Compliance with priority Fields set out in the Convention ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 5.4. Linkages Achieved with Subregional and Regional Action Programmes (SRAPs and RAPs) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 CHAPTER 6. FINANCIAL ALLOCATIONS FROM THE NATIONAL BUDGET TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION, REQUIRED AND RECEIVED FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT, STATING THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES --------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 CHAPTER 7. REVIEW OF BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS UTILIZED TO MEASURE PROGRESS AND ASSESSMENT THEREOF ------------------------------------------------------------------ 29 Annex 1 UNCCD Country Profile of the Republic of Armenia ----------------------------------------------- 31 Annex 2 Thematic Programmes Financed from the State Budget of RA within the Scope of UNCCD -39 Annex 3 Allocations from the State Budget of RA (2002-2006) for Implementation of Measures to Combat Desertification in Armenia -------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Annex 4 List of Responsible Bodies for Providing Ecological Indicators for Monitoring of Environment and Natural Resources and Data on Thereof ---------------------------------------------------------- 42 Annex 5 Scope of Implemented and Planned Forest Rehabilitation Activities in RA --------------------- 46 ` 3 SUMMARY A number of national and regional programmes with regard to the main desertification problem of a strategic significance have been developed and implemented in Armenia since the last presentation of the Second National Report to the UNCCD Secretariat: 1. “Action Programme of the Government of the Republic of Armenia for the Period of 2003-2007” adopted on June 17, 2003 2. “Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” was approved by the Government Decree of RA, N: 994-P, dated 08.08.2003; 3. “Anti-Corruption Strategy and Measures for Implementation Thereof” Project approved by the Government Decree of RA, №1522-P, dated 06.11.2003; 4. “Interim State Expenditures Programme of RA for 2005-2007” approved by the Government Decree of RA, № 985-P, dated 17.06.2004; 5. The following environmental programmes of strategic importance have been developed and/or implemented: • Lists of measures for implementation of Armenia’s obligations derived from international environmental conventions, including UN Convention to Combat Desertification for the period of 2005-2010, which were approved by the Government Decree of RA №1840-P, dated 02.12.2004 and № 880-P, dated 16.03.2005. • Development of “Rehabilitation of Lake Gili” project was completed in 2003; • “National Strategy and Action Programme for Development of Specially Protected Natural Areas in Armenia” was approved by the Government Decree of RA, № 54, dated 26.12.2002 • «National Forest Policy and Strategy Paper» was approved by the Government Decree of RA № 38, dated 30.09.2004 • «National Forest Programme» was approved by the Government Decree of RA, № 1232-P, dated 21.07.2005 • «Development Trends of Information Dissemination Process on Biodiversity Conservation and Specially Protected Natural Areas» was approved by the Order of the Minister of Nature Protection № 226-A, dated 10.08.2004; • «National Water Programme» was developed in 2005-2006, currently is under discussion in the framework of stakeholders; • PDF A phase of «Development of Institutional and Legal Potential in Armenia to Optimize the Information and Monitoring Systems of Global Environmental Management» project is completed, and the GEF national coordinator has sent a written request for MSF financial support. 6. The following Agricultural programmes of strategic importance have been developed and/or implemented. • «Measures for Development of Agricultural Reclamation in RA for the Period of 2002-2005» project was adopted by Government Decree № 1115-P, dated 2002; • A concept paper on «Development of Animal Husbandry in Armenia» was adopted by RA Government Protocol Decree in 2002; • «Sustainable Agriculture Development Strategy of Armenia» was adopted by Government Decree of RA, № 682-P, dated 14.04.2004; • The Government of RA has approved the project on «Provision of Food Policy in RA» in 2005. Institutional reforms promoting desertification control have been carried out for conservation and use of water, land and forest resources, and for management of protected areas from 2002 to 2006 in accordance with NAP provisions. ` 4 According to Government Decree of RA, № 1372-P, dated 28.11.2002, a State Hydro- Meteorological and Monitoring Service was established under the Ministry of Nature Protection. Activities mainstreamed to empowerment of infrastructure and enrichment of logistical framework have been carried out in the framework of “Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction Project”. From 2002 to 2006 a considerable number of activities coherent with NAP strategy have been taken for perfection of legislation regulating public relations in environmental conservation and economic development sectors, which can contribute to expedient desertification control. 13 codes and laws were adopted by the National Assembly of RA within the mentioned period, regarding Lake Sevan, management of land, water, forest resources and waste, as well as food safety, seismic safety, state environmental supervision, etc. Direct linkages to settlement of desertification control problems have the 18 legislative acts, adopted by the Government of RA, related to the use of fertile soil layers, land zoning and usage schemes, specially protected natural areas, improvement of forest areas, efficient use of water resources, etc. Of the main principles of NAP implementation to combat desertification in Armenia is to ensure stakeholders’ participation. In this respect special priority is given to the implementation of four primary pilot projects developed in the framework of NAP. In 2003-2005 two primary pilot projects were implemented financed based on the discussions between the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA and UNCCD Secretariat. “Sustainable Development Paper of the Republic of Armenia” was developed in 2002 by public and scientific layers of RA. “Environment Protection Local Action Plan” has been developed for city Ararat in the framework of REC Caucasus project. NGOs participated actively in development and discussion of “Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” and currently are involved in implementation process. “Forest Recovery and Development Fund of RA” is functioning since 2004 under the direction of the Prime Minister, and “Inter-ministerial Task Force of Monitoring and Assessment of Raising Lake Sevan Water Level” with involvement of a number of NGOs since 2005. In 2006, Friendly Associations of RA organized a “Consolidated Tree Planting” on the entire territory of the country with active participation of all public layers. For conservation of green coverage and water surface of city Yerevan, several NGOs established “Protection of Green Coverage of City Yerevan” Union, associating 39 NGOs. Preconditions to ensure participation in expedient implementation of NAP are measures undertaken for training the stakeholders and raising public awareness of the main problems. A great number of relevant measures are inscribed in Armenia through 2002-2006: an Aarhus-Center was established within the Ministry of Nature Protection and 4 Aarhus-Centers in different regions of Armenia with the support from OSCE, reference materials have been published and freely distributed to the population; a number of video films have been produced, mass media has actively been functioning. Support from Donor Countries and International Organizations is important for NAP implementation in Armenia. Relevant negotiations are taking place between UNCCD Secretariat and “Global Mechanism” aiming at developing international cooperation. ‘A Round Table” is planned to be organized in Armenia involving potential donors and all interested entities. During the 5 European Environmental Taskforce Congress, held in Kiev, in May 2003, the Ministers approved Environmental Strategy for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. Implementation of the strategy was discussed during the Ministerial Congress, held in Tbilisi, in October, 2004. GEF has initiated «National Conversation» since 2004, anticipating also Armenia’s participation. National Dialogue between GEF and the Republic of Armenia was held through October 14-15, in Yerevan. GEF national dialogue decision was developed, stating further cooperation sectors, outcomes of the held seminar, and ways of support. Upon becoming the 64-th member of Asian Development Bank (ADB) in September, 2005, Armenia initiated ` 5 development of strategic directions for obtaining the Bank's support. The trends of «Economic Report and Midterm Action Strategy» (ERMAS) were discussed in 2005, and existing environmental challenges and sectors requiring financial support were revealed. The Work Plan with its two components: «Efficient Energy Usage» and «Sustainable Conservation and Management of Natural Resources» was signed between UNDP Armenia and Ministry of Nature Protection of RA in March, 2006, in the framework of which modernization of EPNAP is anticipated for 2006-2007. The following technical programmes and operational projects were developed through 2002-2006, the implementation of which will significantly contribute to efficient desertification control: 1. “Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction project» which is currently under implementation; 2. Urban development project documents were developed within 2001-2005 on the account of the state budget of RA, aimed at regulating spatial planning, and simultaneously integrating environmental and sustainable land tenure strategic problems; 3. Projects for zoning and usage of 20 community lands for Ararat marz of RA have been developed in the framework of pilot projects on the account of savings of State Cadastre of Real Estate under the Government of RA, as a support to local self-administration bodies; 4. The main layout of city Gyumri and territorial scheme of Shirak marz have been developed and approved by RA Government; 5. The main layouts of Ararat, Artashat, Arzni, Jermuk, Hankavan, Arzakan, Goris, Martuni, Vardenis Nyuvadi and Agarak communities were developed in 2004, which are under concordance and approval phases; 6. The main layouts of Talin, Vedi, Echmiatsin, Gavar, Stepanavan, Charencavan, Artik, Kapan, Yeghegnadzor, Dilijan, Ijevan, Berd communities were developed in 2005. Simultaneously the main layout of Vanadzor city is in the development process on the account of the local budget. A number of projects consistent with NAP are being implemented through 2002-2006. 1. «Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction project» launched on December 27, 2002, which should be completed in 2008; 2. During the reporting period state supervision over the chemical substances used for plant protection was strengthened, activities for regulation of collection, transportation, processing, neutralization and eradication of poisonous waste are carried out in the framework of «National Action Programme in the Sphere of Environmental Hygiene» adopted by the Government of RA in 2001; 3. Activities for cleaning and re-equipping collector-drainage systems were implemented in the country through 2002-2004, particularly 30 km of drainage system was recovered which helped to eradicate water coverage of 8,0-9,0 ha each year and organize sustainable farming; 4. “Irrigation Rehabilitation” Project is currently under implementation, due to which 260 km of water pipeline, tertiary channels, four pumping stations, four dams, 238 wells have been rehabilitated and¹ constructed; 310 operating drainage systems have been cleaned and put in place; 5. GEF financed “Armenia National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment (NCSA) for Global Environmental Management.” UNDP/GEF project initiated by common efforts of UNDP and the Ministry of Nature Protection was implemented in 2003-2004. It was called to identify the potential needs of the country for implementation of the three global ` 6 environmental conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Climate Change, and Convention to Combat Desertification. A proper early draught warning system is currently missing in Armenia, but several organizations are carrying out certain activities for establishment of such a system. Activities are undertaken to strengthen the warning system in the framework of “Information on Food Safety” EC/UN FAO project. “Armstatehydromet” is collaborating with Draught Monitoring Center of CIS Inter-governmental Hydro-meteorological Board. This cooperation enables to issue a ten- days bulletin on monitoring of draught warning, and participate in establishment of agro-climatic characteristics’ fund for draught and draught phenomena. The main trends of regional cooperation in Armenia are: harmonization of legislation; application of unified approaches for implementation of conventions; full participation in international processes; establishment of global environmental management in Armenia; etc. Trans-boundary problems are of a special concern. According to the Prime Minister’s decision a Trans-boundary Water Resources Commission was established on October 10, 2002. Together with relevant Commissions of bordering counties it settles down operatives problems related to conservation and usage of trans-boundary water resources. Armenia is involved in implementation of “Modification of Risk into Cooperation” project proposed in the framework of UNEP/UNDP/OSCE “Environment and Security” regional initiative. National coordinators are assigned by the Ministry of Nature Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RA to coordinate the activities of the initiative. A proposal for establishment of “Zikatar” regional forest training center is submitted to the UNCCD Secretariat. “Zikatar” forest center is planned to be used as a regional training center for UNCCD Central and Eastern countries. Appropriate allocations were estimated for implementation of measures in 2002-2005 and for 2006 to combat desertification both by the state budget of RA and donor organizations. Besides, additional expenditures are made from the reserve fund of the Government of RA mainly for measures requiring operative interactions and contingencies for elimination of results of natural disasters (deluge, floods, devastation of littoral zones, abundant snow, strong winds, hail, draught, channels, plugging of irrigation and collector-drainage systems, landslides). Currently 36 science-research activities are in place financed by the RA state budget on contractual basis in the framework of UNCCD. A number of credit and grant projects are currently under implementation: «Irrigation Rehabilitation Project» - 24,8 million USD, «Natural Resources Management Poverty Reduction Project» - 16 million USD, «Dam Safety Project» - 26,6 million USD, «Millennium Challenges» Project - 235,6 million USD, etc. A list of ecological benchmarks is developed as a mechanism for monitoring, survey, collection, analysis and exchange of information on environment, including desertification processes, which has been submitted to the approval of RA Government. Benchmarks of EECCA and benchmarks recommended by UNCCD Committee on Science and Technology were considered for selection of benchmarks. ` 7 BASIC INFORMATION 1. Focal point institution: Name of focal point Ministry of Nature Protection Address including e-mail address Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, 375010, 3 building of Government House, 5-floor e-mail: [email protected] fax: (374-10)-58-53-49 Tel. (+374-10) 521099 Websites relating to desertification www.mnpiacnam www.nature-ic.com www.mnp.am - in development process 2. Status of NAP Approval Date Protocol Decision of RA Government 28.03.2002. № 13 Development of NAP 1999-2001 National Action Programme (NAP) has been integrated Yes into the poverty reduction strategy (PRSP) 2003 NAP has been integrated into the national No development strategy (currently not adopted) NAP implementation commenced with or without No existence of partnership agreements (commenced without existence of cooperation agreement) 3. STRAP/RAP is not developed 4. Composition of the NCB Name of institution Government NGO M / F Coordination Body (CB) under the Ministry of Nature Protection (MoNP) + ---- 12/9 1. MoNP, First Deputy Minister, Char of (CB) + m 2. MoNP, Convention Focal Point, Deputy of CB + m 3. Office of Ministry of Healthcare of RA + m 4. Office of the Ministry of Urban Development of RA + m 5. Office of the Ministry of Agriculture of RA + m 6. The staff of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of RA + m 7. The staff of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of RA + f 8. The staff of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development of RA + m 9. The staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RA + f 10. Emergency Department under the Government of RA + f 11. The office of State Cadastre of Real Estate under the Government of RA + m 12. Botany Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of RA + f 13. The office of MoNP of RA + 5m/4f CB to combat desertification was established under the MoNP according to the Government Decree of RA, N: 620, dated 07.10.1998. UNCCD Coordination Committee (CC) was reformulated under the MoNP according to the Government Decree of RA, N: 1840-P, dated 02.12.2004. CC involves representatives from 12 line ministries and other agencies with total 21 members. ` 8 5. Total number of NGOs accredited to the process is 11 An NGO National Coordinating Committee on desertifi- 39 organizations from civil societies cation is established are involved 6. Total number of acts and laws passed relating to the UNCCD: 1. RA Codes – 3 2. RA laws –10 3. RA government decrees-26 4. RA Prime Minister’s decisions-3 Total 42 legal acts. Five Primary Laws and/or Normative Acts Title of the law Date of adoption 1. Land Code of RA 02.05.2001 2. Forest Code of RA 24.10.2005 3. RA Law on Environmental Supervision 11.04.2005 “National Action Programme to Combat Desertification in Armenia” 4. 28.03.2002 approved by Government Protocol Decision N:13 of RA Decree of the Government of RA on “Approval of the List of Measures 5. for Execution of RA Obligations Derived from International Environ- 02.12.2004 mental Conventions” 7. The consultative process The number of partnership agreements signed and/initiated in the Convention framework N Donor(s), international Date of (expected) Official title of partnership organization(s), and/or agencies of conclusion the UN system involved “Protocol of Intentions” between the Minister of Nature Protection and UNCCD Secretariat and 1 Executive Secretary of UNCCD, based on 2003 UNDP Armenia which the two primary projects developed in the framework of NAP are implemented. Organization of a national Forum in Armenia Global Mechanism and 2 2004 to support NAP implementation UNCCD Secretariat List of consultative meetings on UNCCD implementation Name of consultative meeting Date/year Donor countries International organizations or involved agencies of the UN system involved Issues of Implementation of 2003 ----------- UNCCD Secretariat UNCCD in Armenia January Assessment of Opportunities to 2004 Organize a National Forum for ----------- UNCCD Secretariat December NAP implementation MoNP of RA is undertaking negotiations with Global Mechanism and UNCCD Secretariat to assist in organization of a “Round Table” in Armenia, involving potential donors and interested entities. ` 9 8. Name up to 10 projects currently under implementation which are directly or indirectly related to the UNCCD. Project Project implemented implemented Overall within the Partners Name of project within the Timeframe budget framework of involved framework of (USD) the NAP/SRAP/ ….. RAP? (Yes/No) 1. Rehabilitation of UNCCD 42 500 desertificated lands in Garni Yes ------------- 2003-2006 /UNDP community of Kotayk marz 2. Engineering-geological observations in the territory of UNCCD 31 200 Yes ------------- 2003-2006 Makaravank Memorial of /UNDP Tavoush marz of RA 3. “Observations and State Registration of Abandoned 3 000 Yes Budget of 2005 ---------- Mineral Resources” Tavoush RA Marz of RA 4. “Stock-taking of Abandoned State Mineral Resources” of Kotayk Yes Budget of 2004 ---------- 3 000 marz RA 5. “Natural Resources WB/SID NEAP Management and Poverty A, GEF/ UN CBD Reduction” Credit Project No 2002 -2008 RA 16 000 000 UN CCC Govern UN CCD ment 6. Armenia-improvement of GEF/U energy efficiency of urban No UN CCC 2005-2009 2.950.000 NDP heating, and hot water supply 7. Expansion of irrigated areas, Millennium raising the efficiency of No 2006-2011 USA 235.600 000 Challenge irrigation system 8. Development of Integrated National Programme for UNITA ecologically sound management No 2004- 2006 60.000 R/IOMC of chemical substances and waste 9. Project on substitution of GEF/U substances deploying ozone NDP layer and management of Montreal UNEP/ No 2005-2008 2 080 000 refrigeration techniques with its Protocol RA 6 subprojects Govern ment 10. Consolidation of Agricultural No 2004-2006 FAO 40 000 Lands Pilot Project 11. “Armenia National Capacity UN CBD Needs Self-Assessment (NCSA) UN CCC UNDP/ No 2003-2004 250 000 for Global Environmental UN CCD GEF Management.” ` 10