Practical approaches for environmental awareness-raising and education are critical nowadays, as, more than ever, it is vital for people to acknowledge the importance of biodiversity, as well as to learn about the various ways of protecting it. Biodiversity conservation can only be achieved if people acquire knowledge and motivation, engagement and responsibility needed to protect the natural resources. The awareness-raising of the public can be increased with the help of such practical tools as digital applications, social spots, educational movies, and engaging mini-campaigns. Taking this into consideration, the RA Ministry of Environment jointly with GIZ recently launched an environmental awareness-raising campaign in Armenia, which included mass media, presentations and screenings, talks, exhibitions, and other interactive techniques, addressing the public. In the framework of the campaign, visualized and practical approaches were effectively used to clearly show the importance of biodiversity, such as rare and threatened plant and animal species, and of nature protection in general.

Armenia is one of the world’s renowned biodiversity hotspots. A huge part of that rich biodiversity is within the pasture and grassland ecosystems. Besides the provision of fodder for livestock, pasture and grassland ecosystems also provide a variety of other services, such as regulation of terrestrial water cycle, maintenance of soil productivity and carbon storage, provision of edible plants, medicinal herbs, etc.

Nature is the biggest treasure shared among all nations – the ultimate source of all human life on Earth. The benefits provided by nature such as food, fresh water, medicinal resources, pollination, carbon storage, protection from natural disasters, and others are often referred to as ecosystem services. While ecosystem services are key to sustained livelihood and health, human activities often alter nature irreversibly. Thereby today, more than ever in human history, the consideration of ecosystem services in different sectors of economy and society is crucial for effective and ecosystem-friendly planning processes to secure the well-being of current and future generations. The “Integrating Ecosystem Services into Development Planning” guide is an important methodological tool to advance cross-sectoral integration of ecosystem services, applied in Armenia in the framework of IBiS programme by the joint initiative of the Public Administration Academy of the RA (PAARA) and GIZ on behalf of BMZ. To explore the overall framework of IES in Armenia, we talked to Meri Margaryan, Chief Specialist and Instructor at the Department of Training, Qualification Improvement and Research at the Public Administration Academy of RA (PAARA), and Alla Berberyan, Adviser at GIZ Armenia.

How the world reacted and what is known about the Beirut Blast.

In 2018 Armenia's first sustainable design lab, Proper Plastic, was founded. The company innovatively addresses plastic pollution and waste management, by converting waste plastic materials into commercially viable products while raising environmental awareness. “Proper Plastic” is another chapter for shaping a new mindset for the society in Armenia, leading them care for nature and environment.

In the frame of the 15th measure to neutralize the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Environment has initiated a planting of almost two million willow cuttings in 7 regions of Armenia. Regional Post talked with the Deputy Minister of Environment Vardan Melikyan about the program and how it can be a lifebuoy for the socio-economic crisis that Armenia currently faces.

Currently, we live in quite an erratic world, where “unpredictable” is the new “go-to” word for every situation. Recently, we sat with Marian Salzman, a highly recognized communications expert, the trend-spotter and the senior vice-president of global communications at Philip Morris International to discuss and to try to outline the steps that the humanity and the businesses should take to pop up onto the surface of the water when this flood is over and to do it with dignity and compassion towards their stakeholders.

Organic agriculture development steps in Armenia were undertaken in early 2000s with active participation of local NGOs and the international organizations. Several international agencies and the Armenian government were jointly implementing projects aimed at boosting organic sector development in the country. These efforts, however, were not supported by the simultaneous creation of skilled labour force of farmers and employees involved in the organic sector.

When speaking of waste management in Armenia, we usually discuss problems with waste collection, littering in tourist areas or along roads, overuse of packaging materials including plastic bags, and low rates of recycling. Less talked about, though also critical, is what we do with the waste that we collect. The final disposal sites in Armenia are not managed to acceptable standards, opening the door for environmental, public health, and, even, economic harm. To provide a comprehensive understanding of these issues, the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment has several ongoing projects on solid waste governance in Armenia. Regional Post talked about these projects and their results with Harutyun Alpetyan, the Circular Economy Specialist at the Center.

Have you ever traveled by car to Dilijan? Having passed by Lake Sevan and up some steeper hills, you emerge from a tunnel to a breathtaking view of a green wonderland opening out below. Or, have you ever cycled the road to Tsakhkadzor – where the color of the slopes shimmers from yellow to deep green as if, by some magic, the four seasons have come together? In these most precious natural spots, just like in many others, the one key element is the forest cover with its diverse beauty, with the abundant life it harbors, and all the good that it selflessly offers. Historically, forests covered about 40% of the present-day Armenia’s territory; this share has now fallen to a very low 11.2%. What is the condition of the remaining Armenian forests today, and what does their future look like?

Escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with deaths on both sides, and protests in Baku.

Birds and butterflies are vital indicators for the state of ecosystems and biodiversity. They are living reminders of how important it is to take care of our environment and how insignificant human borders are when it comes to nature. Soon Armenia will have its first bird and butterfly atlases, joining such projects as European Breeding Birds Atlas 2, for the successful conservation of the rich diversity of the species. The atlases will include hundreds of butterfly and breeding bird species flying over the mountains and valleys of Armenia.

Let’s nurture minds of the Armenian youth in understanding and appreciating nature, and incubating agribusiness startups. That’s why a unique project of EcoFarm was founded by the International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education.

The American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment has been around for over 25 years with a mission to make the environment a central point at the global discussions taking place in Armenia. Regional Post talked with the Director of the AUA Acopian Center Alen Amirkhanyan about the present and future of the center and its role in the transformation of the Armenian society.