The launching conference of the project “BeECO – Joint actions for environmental protection in Black Sea Basin” was held on 25 September 2020, in Yerevan. In Armenia, the project is managed by the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development.

The event was opened by Mrs Nune Ghazakhetsyan, the Executive Director of the Urban Foundation, Mr Andrea Baggioli, the International Aid/Cooperation Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Mrs Ruzanna Grigoryan, the Head of International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Astghik Hayrapetyan, ENI CBC Black Sea Basin Programme National Coordinator and Mrs Anna Mazmanyan, Deputy Minister of Environment.

The project presentation was delivered by the National Project Manager, Mrs Gayane Sargsyan. The Head of the Division of Solid Waste Management from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure had valuable input to the event with his perspective on the topics discussed.

Lusine Hambaryan, Associate Professor from Yerevan State University Ecology and Nature Protection Department made an informative presentation on the main issues of Lake Sevan.

The participants had the opportunity to ask questions and raise comments.

The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders. Among the participants were representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Economy, Gegharkunik province regional administration, Sevan and Gavar municipalities, Acopian Center for the Environment, Lithuanian Embassy in Armenia, beneficiaries of ENI CBC Black Sea Basin Programme in Armenia from Regional Environmental Center for Caucasus and The International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) Foundation, as well as media and civil society representatives and others.

The participants expressed their commitment to cooperate in the framework of the objectives of the project. The meeting put a solid foundation for future cooperation among civil society, the educational sector and state governing bodies.