Local Authorities and farmers in Gegharkunik discussed with the UN strengthening community resilience to address climate security
15 June 2022
Caption: The Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Armenia, Lila Pieters Yahia and Assistant Representative of FAO, Gayane Nasoyan, and other UN experts met with the Governor of Gegharkunik region, Mr. Karen Sargsyan.
The interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues concerning food security, loss of livelihoods, climate-related disasters, migration, etc.
The Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Armenia, Lila Pieters Yahia and Assistant Representative of FAO, Gayane Nasoyan, and other UN experts met with the Governor of Gegharkunik region. They discussed how security concerns aggravated by climate change include impacts on food security, agriculture production increased competition over natural resources, loss of livelihoods, climate-related disasters, and migration. The visit also included meetings with other authorities and farmers.
Caption: The Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Armenia, Lila Pieters Yahia and Assistant Representative of FAO, Gayane Nasoyan, and other UN experts had a substantive solution-oriented discussions during the visit.
The mission allowed to hear from first-hand about climate security challenges. Proposed solutions for strengthening communities’ resilience were presented such as securing borders sovereignty, land use preparation, strengthening water management and irrigation and drinking water systems; mitigating the cost of fuel through improved food production and logistics systems; introducing innovative and cost-effective agriculture practices, and labour skills matched.
The Governor of Gegharkunik region, Mr. Sargsyan underlined the urgency to address climate security to improve the livelihoods of the people, reduce migration and strengthen the development of his region. He also attached high importance to effective coordination with the UN and other partners.
Caption: The Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Armenia, Lila Pieters Yahia notes that it was very inspiring to listen to local authorities, citizens, and farmers.
“It was very inspiring to listen to local authorities, citizens, and farmers, including those recently displaced. The problems were well defined, and we had a substantive solution-oriented discussion to better understand how we can support and empower them in addressing the multidimensional challenges they face in a sustainable way”, said Lila Pieters Yahia.
“Poverty and food insecurity are closely interrelated, and FAO is committed to supporting Armenia in overcoming both. Food security means not only having access to food but also ensuring a healthy diet for all and leaving no one behind,” said Gayane Nasoyan, Assistant FAO Representative in Armenia.
