The two-day Ecothon ՛25 event was held within the framework of the “Strengthening Sustainable Climate Resilience of Armenian Communities through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practices” project, implemented by the “Women in Climate and Energy” NGO and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES Armenia) in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment of the RA and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the RA.
The event aimed to foster climate-resilient development in vulnerable communities through joint efforts, focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable and clean energy development, and the exploration of opportunities for joint awareness-raising, programme implementation, and community development in the target Ashotsk and Amasia Communities, while also taking into account the presence of Lake Arpi National Park.
Participants of Ecothon ՛25 included representatives of state and community bodies, professional, scientific and educational institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, as well as private and public entities from the Ashotsk and Amasia Communities. The agenda covered the presentation of national strategies on community development, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. Discussions also focused on the economic sustainability of communities in relation to the natural environment and biodiversity protection, as well as the interaction between Lake Arpi National Park, economic operators, and neighboring settlements. The possibility of joining the EU Covenant of Mayors initiative was discussed, considering the long heating season in the communities and the challenges posed by climate change. The potential for biogas use in Armenia was also presented.
In addition, events were organized in the Lake Arpi area of Shirak Province, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and Armenia’s hosting of the COP17 conference in 2026.