Minister Hakob Simidyan met with Program Manager of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ersin Essen and representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) during the session of the seventh assembly of the Global Environment Facility.
During the meeting with the Program Manager of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the process of implementing the program "land restoration and improvement of ecosystem services in Armenia through the use of biodiversity of fruit and nut trees" was discussed, which was successfully submitted for final approval by the GEF secretariat.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization began its cooperation with the Government of Armenia, in particular with the Ministries of Environment and Economy, long before the establishment of the office, providing technical assistance in various areas, including sustainable management of hazardous waste and promotion of cleaner production.
Armenia has set an ambitious goal to increase the share of solar energy in total energy consumption, reaching 26% of the energy consumed by the population from renewable sources by 2025. The Ministry of Education and Science will seek to assist Armenia in the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in industry, especially by SMEs, to increase their competitiveness and reduce dependence on organic fossil fuels, because one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions is industry. Capacity-building measures will pave the way for progress in greener practices.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a wider range of environmental issues.