Project Detail

Impacted communities and civil society organizations as participants in the introduction of socio-ecological culture in the energy and climate change policies of Armenia

The policies and programs on climate change and energy in Armenia should have a balanced approach on expected benefits and risks, climate and social commitments, sustainable consumption of natural resources- land, water, biodiversity, forestry. It is necessary to consider community and population needs, introduce the culture of corporate social responsibility. In this process all the stakeholders, such as the state agencies, private sector, impacted communities, CSOs should have active engagement. As a result, a new culture of socially and environmentally responsible practice will be introduced in policies and programs on energy and climate change.
To tackle this issue, the project aims to introduce the culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices in policies related to energy and climate change through a dialogue between state agencies, 4 affected communities (Pambak in Lori Region, Yeghegis in Vayots Dzor Region, Talin in Aragatsotn Region, Dilijan in Tavush Region), civil society, and experts. Based on this, a set of recommendations will be developed and submitted to the Government of Armenia.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

"Ecolur" Informational NGO

Country:

Armenia

Area Of Work:

CapDev
Climate Change Mitigation

Operational Phase:

OP7 Y3 (July 22-June 23)

Grant Amount:

US$ 30,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 23,520.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 4,400.00

Project Number:

ARM/SGP/OP7/Y3/STAR/CC/22/14

Start Date:

12/2022

End Date:

6/2024

Status:

Currently under execution

Project Characteristics and Results

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

An information campaign will be carried out, which will contribute to awareness raising and the formation of public opinion regarding the culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices in the policies of energy and climate change. The entire process of the project implementation with be publicized, including informational materials, photos and videos. 20 interviews on renewable energy, energy saving, energy efficiency programs, climate and social justice, as well as the use of natural resources will be held with major stakeholders: local self-governance agencies, officials, experts, civil society representatives and the local population. 3 press conferences will be held at "EcoLur" Press Club. Additionally, 10 social videos titled "Our contribution to combating global warming" will be developed. Monitoring of energy and climate change projects and government decisions will be carried out, and at least 30 articles will be published on the www.ecolur.org website and social networks.

Capacity - Building Component

Capacity building activities form a significant part of the project. In particular, it is planned to develop modules for each community tailored to specific needs, upon collecting information on the weaknesses and strengths, perspectives, problems, socio-economic status of the communities. Information modules, as well as a report prepared as a result of the study of energy and climate change legislation, policies and programs will be presented to the communities. Within the frame of the project, it is planned to organize 20 meetings in the communities aimed at raising the awareness, particularly on community rights and interests.

Gender Focus

In rural communities, women are mostly in charge of households. Men mostly migrate for work or are engaged in farming, animal husbandry, or work for other employers. Women are increasingly being seen as more vulnerable than men to the impacts of climate change. However, women are less involved in decision-making processes at the local level, and women are known to be less involved in the development or implementation of energy sector programs. Although about half of the project beneficiaries are women, the project will work to ensure that both women and men are equally involved in project implementation activities, participate in discussions, raise their awareness, take into account their views and suggestions, and participate in decision-making processes.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

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Linkages gef projects

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Planning non gef grant

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Project sustainability

The introduction of the culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices in Armenia's energy and climate change policies will have a long-term impact, since stakeholders will be keen to having their recommendations implemented, the community will be involved in a dialogue with government agencies and its voice will be heard. For the long-term impact of the project, a database related to climate change and renewable energy has been collected, which can be used in future development projects.

Policy Impact

The project plans to contribute to the integration of the culture of new practices in the policies and programs related to energy and climate change in Armenia. It is planned to form a new vision among all stakeholders in these areas to consider social and environmental issues, needs, benefits and risks. The integration of the new culture will contribute to the solution of these problems, outline new programs and design respective measures.

Replication of project activities

The project will be co-financed by EU Climate program, as well as by "Toward the energy paradigm changes in South Caucasus" project funded by the Brot for World organization.

Policy Influence

The project will have an impact on policies and programs in energy and climate change, as it aims to contribute to the introduction of a new culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices in these documents. Within the framework of the project, a policy dialogue involving all stakeholders is planned, as a result of which a set of recommendations will be developed including consideration of social and environmental needs of communities, balancing of benefits and risks, harmonization of policies and programs related to energy and climate change, aiming to reach climate justice.

Notable Community Participation

Within the framework of the project implementation, special attention will be paid to the involvement of youth in 4 affected communities in raising public awareness on energy and climate policies, revealing opportunities and needs of communities, and collecting recommendations from local population.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

Within the framework of the project, a report will be developed based on the analysis of sectoral legislation and policies, which will provide new knowledge to the stakeholders. Information modules and leaflets will be developed and distributed to the communities, providing them with new knowledge and data about their opportunities and rights. Project results, experience, and lessons learned will be communicated to stakeholders at the regional level (Yeghegis, Pambak, Talin, Dilijan communities) and national levels (Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment, local and international organizations, etc.) through project reports, public events.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

Within the framework of the project, the needs of the target communities related to energy and climate change will be identified; respective recommendations will be developed. It is believed that implementation of proposals based on the presented recommendations will contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of the target communities.

Project Results

The project will produce the following results:
1. 50% of locals in target communities increased their knowledge of energy and climate policies based on the analysis of the legislative and institutional framework, and the effectiveness of energy and climate projects.
2. Recommendations on introducing a culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices into the policies on renewable energy and climate change are developed and presented to the Government.
3. 15 social groups and 20 mass media representatives through media campaigns contributed to forming public opinion on introduction of a culture of socially and environmentally responsible practices in energy and climate change policy.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Number of national policies informed in climate change focal area 1

Empowerment

Number of CBOs / NGOs participated / involved in SGP project 35

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