National Adaptation Plan to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia

The Government of Armenia launched its national stakeholder consultations for the national adaptation plan (NAP) process in June 2016. A preliminary action plan for NAP implementation was formulated during the stocktaking exercise and approved by the representatives of key sectors and the Ministry of Nature Protection. The government recognizes the NAP process as a key step to achieving the adaptation objectives of its 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The NAP seeks to address the main challenges to the integration of climate change adaptation into national, sectorial, and local government planning and budgeting, as identified in the 2016 stakeholders' consultations and the NAP Stocktaking report. Focus has been given to strengthening foundational capacities for adaptation and ensuring that they are institutionalized for long-term sustainability (beyond the life of the project). It was expected that at least two NAP iterations would be required for a complete and comprehensive mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into the national development framework and into the development plans of all sectors.

NDCs and NAPs

Armenia’s vulnerability to climate change requires greater investments and integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. In 2016, the government began discussions regarding the NAP process through national consultations and a rapid stocktaking exercise. This stocktaking provided a qualitative assessment of the institutional framework and capacities relevant to the NAP process.

The NAP is fully aligned with the adaptation component of the NDC and is recognized as a pivotal element in establishing a constructive feedback loop between Armenia's national and international decision-making on climate change.

By embarking on the NAP process, Armenia laid the groundwork for a systematic and iterative identification of medium- and long-term risks, climate change adaptation priorities, and specific activities aimed at fostering climate adaptive and resilient growth in key sectors. This shift from ad-hoc, project-based approaches to a more coherent and strategic climate change adaptation approach, integrated with the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, positions Armenia to achieve a lasting paradigm shift in reducing the climate risks it faces.

Stakeholder Consultations

As an integral part of the NAP process, a comprehensive stakeholder communication and engagement plan, including a gender action plan, was developed. This plan aimed to ensure broad consultation and involvement of diverse stakeholders at all stages of the NAP. Outreach encompassed sensitization, consultations, and training workshops, tailored to meet stakeholders' specific needs for successful implementation. The overarching goal of these engagement activities was to enhance stakeholder ownership, raise awareness, and bolster knowledge regarding the crucial role of climate adaptation in addressing climate change impacts for sustained, long-term engagement. Stakeholders spanned government institutions, financial and technical partners, international and national non-governmental organizations, and local civil society.

Results

Key project achievements include:

Improved Legislative and Policy Frameworks:

• Integration of climate change considerations into governance mechanisms through the National Action Program of Adaptation to Climate Change and the List of Measures for 2021-2025.
• Updates to the structure, mandate, functions, and rules of procedures of the Inter-agency Coordination Council on Climate Change.
• Formation of three permanent working groups supporting the Inter-Agency Coordination Council.

Integration into Legal Instruments and Sector Strategies:

• Amendments to the Water Code addressing climate change risks, vulnerability, adaptation, and water use permit allocation.
• Draft amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment law to consider climate change-related risks.
• Development and approval of the "2022-2026 Climate Change Adaptation Plan in the Water Resources Sector."

Territorial Governance Improvement:

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans for two regions (Tavush and Shirak) and Yerevan city.
• Development and acceptance of guidelines for climate change adaptation planning at the local and regional levels.

Sector Governance Enhancement:

• Revision of irrigation norms in Ararat Valley with recommendations for replication.
• Updates to River Basin Management Plans for the Southern and Ararat River Basin districts.
• Recommendations on institutional arrangements for mudflow risk management.
• Various assessments, including economic cost-benefit analysis and feasibility studies for reservoirs.

Capacity Building, Awareness, and Education:

• Development of guidelines on urban green infrastructure, landslide risk assessment, and climate change adaptation in agriculture.
• Stakeholder communication and awareness strategy.
• Organizing over 90 workshops, trainings, and public events involving more than 3,200 participants.
• Numerous media interviews and stakeholder roundtable discussions initiated.

NAP Process Continuity:

• Assessment and strategy for private sector engagement in climate change adaptation to strengthen the enabling environment for private sector investments
• Design of water resources and agriculture sectors adaptation concept notes.
• Development of a methodology and guideline for evaluating the NAP process monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Establishment of MRV frameworks for climate mitigation and adaptation.