On April 29, H.E. Yutaka Aoki, Ambassador of Japan to Armenia, and Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, visited Ararat and Armavir regions to see on the ground the results of projects implemented with funding from the Government of Japan.
The first visit, within the framework of the UNDP “Improving Water Reservoir Management Capabilities for Climate Risk Resilience” project, was to the Azat Reservoir. Participants also included Mr. Aram Ghazaryan, Director of the MoIA Rescue Service, Mr. Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, Chairman of the MTAI Water Committee, Mr. Levon Azizyan, Director of the MoE “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO, and Mr. Sedrak Tevonyan, Governor of Ararat region, as well as other responsible officials from the sector.
The Azat Reservoir is one of the country’s most important hydrotechnical structures and holds strategic significance both for water resources management and for the safety of communities located in the inundation zone. It requires continuous monitoring and detailed risk management. To this end, modern monitoring equipment has been installed at the reservoir, along with upgraded meteorological and hydrological observation tools, warning siren systems, and photovoltaic power stations. In addition, engineering-geological and geophysical studies have been carried out, enabling more effective identification, analysis, and management of potential risks.
The project’s direct beneficiaries include not only the represented state and local self-government bodies, but also approximately 167,000 residents living in the inundation zone. Moreover, within the framework of the project, a digital weather forecasting and visualization system has been installed, which already provides more accurate and detailed digital forecasts for all settlements across Armenia.
Through the Restorative Circles methodology, refugees and host communities across ten communities engaged in structured conversations to identify priorities and co-design solutions. More than 1,100 participants, nearly half refugees, highlighted the need for safe, inclusive spaces for interaction, creativity, and community life. These ideas are a reality in five communities, benefiting around 126,000 people, including 984 vulnerable households. In Zorak settlement of Masis community, the high-level guests, accompanied by Mr. Norayr Hakobyan, Head of Masis Community, got acquainted with the new multifunctional space that now serves as a platform for learning, social interaction, and inclusive municipal services, supporting activities for children, youth, and women, as well as community engagement and psychosocial support.
Afterwards, Ambassador of Japan and UNDP Resident Representative, together with Mr. Vahram Khachatryan, Governor of Armavir region, and Mr. Argishti Mekhakyan, Head of Vagharshapat Community, visited the newly renovated ambulatory and shelter in Haytagh settlement, Armavir region. The initiative was implemented within the framework of the UNDP “Project for Supporting Basic Infrastructure and Social Integration for Displaced Persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and Host Communities” project, funded by the Government of Japan, in close cooperation with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.
The Haytagh ambulatory has been upgraded with improved infrastructure, modern medical equipment, and solar-powered energy systems to ensure accessible, efficient, and climate-resilient healthcare services. The ambulatory now serves 2,740 individuals, including 60 refugees and 70 people with disabilities, strengthening inclusive access to essential care.
Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for the implementation of various support projects in Armenia. She also thanked national partners for their effective and continued cooperation.
AloJapan.com